Fishing village in Nova Scotia.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
Canada's small craft harbours are set to receive a significant boost, according to the budget proposals set out recently by Canada's Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Diane Lebouthillier.
The budget proposes an investment of $463.3 million over three years starting in 2024-25 for the maintenance and repair of these harbours, which the Canadian government argues are vital to the nation's coastal communities and are instrumental in supporting the fisheries sector, tourism, and safe waterway access.
This funding is in addition to the Small Craft Harbours program's annual budget of $90 million and includes repairs for damage caused by Hurricane Fiona.
The investment aims to enhance local economic development and ensure the longevity and functionality of harbours across Canada. It is intended to benefit Canadians working in various sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, construction, and marine engineering. The specifics of how this budget will be allocated across regions will be determined following the adoption of the budget, the ministry said.
“Small craft harbours are at the epicentre of our vibrant fishing communities from coast to coast to coast," said Lebouthillier in a press announcement.
"Canada, the nation with the longest coastline in the world, must invest in resilient harbour infrastructure capable of facing the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. With Budget 2024, we're giving ourselves the means to achieve our ambitions, by equipping our harvesters with modern harbours where their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will carry on our finest maritime traditions," she continued.
“Small craft harbours are the heart of our community of Cape Breton—Canso, in Nova Scotia – and are real drivers of employment and economic development," added Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
"This investment will help with repairs and maintenance to keep our harbours in good working condition so that our coastal communities can continue to thrive for years to come," he said.