Local workers and businesses will benefit from a major new investment in small craft harbours throughout Vancouver Island North, Member of Parliament John Duncan announced today on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
"Vancouver Island's commercial fishery is a key part of the local economy that is important to countless businesses and families throughout the region," said Duncan. "By investing in small craft harbours our government is creating local jobs right away, and ensuring that those who rely on the fishery can rely on an improved harbour for years to come."
In Vancouver Island North $1,600,000 in funding is being provided for small craft harbours projects at the following locations: Comox, Fanny Bay, and Ford Cove.
The Small Craft Harbours Program is one of many job-creating investments contained in Canada's Economic Action Plan. Through this plan, communities throughout Canada will receive funding to accelerate harbour repair and maintenance, as well as undertake dredging projects. This new investment of $22.7 million is in addition to regular, ongoing program funding for the Small Craft Harbours Program, of which BC will receive $6.3 million this year.These projects are being undertaken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Small Craft Harbours Program, in close collaboration with the harbour authorities that manage and operate the facilities. This close co-operation allows the federal government to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada, in support of commercial fish harvesters.Information about projects being carried out in the Province of BC under Canada's Economic Action Plan and the small craft harbours regular program may be found at:http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2009/pr10-eng.htm For more information on the Small Craft Harbours Program, visit http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch-ppb/home-accueil-eng.htm. For further information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp