Construction of New Marginal Wharf in Conne River to Boost Local Economy

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwired - June 10, 2016) - Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for the riding of Coast of Bays - Central - Notre Dame, on behalf of the Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, today announced the award of a contract worth $1.07 million (HST included) for the construction of a new marginal wharf in Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador.

The contract was awarded to Exploits Welding and Machine Shop Ltd. of Grand Falls-Windsor through the Government of Canada's Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses. The company qualified for the Aboriginal set-aside contract by partnering with Patey's Safety and Industrial Ltd., a First Nations-owned enterprise also from Grand Falls-Windsor.

The project includes preparing the area and constructing a marginal wharf in Conne River with a reinforced concrete deck and treated timber cribwork. The new marginal wharf will provide additional berthage space to accommodate the expanding commercial fishing and aquaculture activity at this Small Craft Harbours site.

Quotes

"The awarding of this contract shows our government's commitment to renewing important infrastructure that supports the growth and development of small communities in this province and across the country. Through the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses, the Government of Canada is creating stronger partnerships with Aboriginal business owners and industry sectors."

The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"By building this new marginal wharf, and many other harbour infrastructure projects throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and the country, our government is creating jobs and generating positive economic impacts for all Canadians."

Scott Simms, Member of Parliament, Coast of Bays - Central - Notre Dame

"The Government of Canada is investing $289 million this year to repair and maintain small craft harbours across the country, including $68.2M in Newfoundland and Labrador. Small craft harbours like the one in Conne River provide critical support to Canada's commercial fishing industry. I am pleased this new marginal wharf will allow the Harbour Authority of Miawpukek to further increase the economic viability of the local fishery."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"Sincere congratulations to Exploits Welding and Machine Shop and Patey's Safety and Industrial. I'm proud to see an increasing number of Aboriginal businesses getting opportunities to partner with other industry leaders in building our country. Partnerships through programs like the Joint Set Aside, take advantage of the growing skills and expertise that Aboriginal owned businesses have to offer across Canada."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Quick Facts

• As a result of this contract, a total of 11 jobs will be created, 7 of which will be filled by First Nations employees.
• Work is expected to begin at the site by June and the construction of the new wharf is expected to be completed this October.

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