Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Mike Kelloway, has announced an investment of $34.1 million to improve four harbours in Nova Scotia: Louisbourg, Glace Bay, Upper Whitehead, and Grand Étang.
This investment, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, includes the upgrade, reconstruction, and repair of wharves and other critical infrastructure, as well as electrical improvements.
According to the Government of Canada, this contribution will help ensure that the harbours remain safe and operational for both local harvesters and recreational users. It will also help create more jobs in the fisheries, aquaculture, construction, and marine engineering sectors, driving job creation and local economic development in the coming years.
"Small craft harbours are at the heart of our community. Harbours like ours provide jobs and recreation for countless people, and a strong fishing industry means a strong Nova Scotia," Kelloway assured.
Additionally, Lebouthillier said: "Investing in small craft harbours not only supports harvesters but also the processors, exporters and everyone else in the fishing sector. Having safe, reliable and resilient harbours helps create strong local economies."
Moreover, the Government of Canada confirmed that it will invest $463.3 million over three years to repair and maintain small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, starting in 2024-25.
Small craft harbours are vital to the nation's coastal communities and are instrumental in supporting the fisheries sector, tourism, and safe waterway access, as argued by the public entity.
