As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to growing the economy to help everyone get ahead, member of Parliament Parm Bains, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, announced an investment of $32 million over three years for multiple projects in the Pacific Region.
These projects cover significant critical infrastructure improvements at eighteen Pacific Region Harbors, including nine on Vancouver Island, four in the Lower Mainland, two on the Sunshine Coast, two in the Gulf Islands, and one on the North Coast. Work on these projects is anticipated to begin in fall 2024. The overall budget also includes $11.15 million to complete minor projects to support health and safety requirements at various harbors, as required.
The fishing industry is central to many coastal communities across Canada, and harvesters need small craft harbors to be safe and reliable. With climate change causing more extreme weather events, it is critical to invest in infrastructure that is more resilient and, above all else, safe for harbor users.
These investments support local economic development for generations to come, providing functional harbors for Canadians working in the fisheries, aquaculture, construction, and marine engineering sectors.
“Small craft harbors are the backbone of our vibrant fishing communities from coast to coast to coast, including here in British Columbia. As the nation with the longest coastline in the world, we must invest in resilient harbor infrastructure capable of facing the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. This is not only a question of economic development but also of food security. With Budget 2024, we’re giving ourselves the means to achieve our ambitions by equipping our harvesters with modern harbors where their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will carry on our finest maritime traditions,” commented the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
“Canadian small craft harbors are at the heart of many communities. Much like our Steveston Harbor, they provide jobs, tourism, and recreation, and a strong fishing industry means a strong British Columbia. I’m proud to be a part of the Government of Canada’s investment in Pacific Region Harbors and the economic growth of our coastal communities,” added Parm Bains, Member of Parliament, Steveston—Richmond East.
Quick Facts
- Small craft harbors provide critical support to the commercial fishing industry, which had landings valued at almost $4.7 billion in 2022.
- Small craft harbors support more than 45,000 jobs within the Canadian commercial fishing industry, as well as many thousands of additional jobs in supporting industries
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for the management of 949 harbors and for keeping the 691 harbors that are critical to the commercial fishing industry open and in good repair.
- Harbor restoration projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbor authorities, which are incorporated, not-for-profit organizations that manage and operate facilities for local users. There are more than 5,000 volunteers in harbor authorities across Canada.
