As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to a growing economy, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, was in Rivière-au-Renard, Quebec’s fisheries capital to announce significant investments in fishing harbors across the Gaspé Peninsula, in Quebec.

Over the next three years, $50.2 million will be invested to ensure that the region’s fish harvesters and fishing industry have access to safe harbor infrastructure that meets their needs.

These investments will make it possible, in particular, to repair the main breakwater at the Rivière-au-Renard wharf, which was damaged in December 2022 following a severe winter storm. They will also make it possible to begin the process of divesting the Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine wharf. The full list of investments can be found in this Backgrounder.

Budget 2024 will invest $463.3 million over three years, starting in 2024-2025, to repair and maintain small craft harbors, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona. This funding is in addition to the $90-million annual budget that the Department has committed for these harbors.

“Small craft harbors are the backbone of our vibrant fishing communities across the country, including here in the Gaspé Peninsula. As a country with the longest coastline in the world, we need to invest in resilient harbor infrastructure that can cope with the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. It is not only a question of economic development but also of food security. With Budget 2024, we are giving ourselves the means to achieve our ambitions by providing our fish harvesters with modern harbors where their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will perpetuate our most beautiful maritime traditions,” comments the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Quick Facts

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada announces an investment of $50.2 million in fishing harbors in the Gaspé Peninsula.
• The Government of Canada is funding repairs or dredging works at several harbors across the country to ensure they are in good condition to meet the needs of fish harvesters and industry, as well as provide safe access to waterways.
• The mandate of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbors Program is to keep harbors vital to the commercial fishery open and in good repair.