Fisheries minister announces $1 billion for small craft harbours in Canada

A small craft is pictured at Sambro harbour, N.S. (Carl Pomeroy/CTV News Atlantic)

Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson announced $1 billion for small craft harbours in Sambro, N.S., Thursday morning.

Part of the funds will go to wharf structure 402, a part of the main wharf at Sambro harbour, and floats 802, according to a news release from the government.

“Small craft harbours are the working backbone of coastal communities in Canada. This is the largest investment ever made in small craft harbours, reaffirming this new government’s commitment to coastal communities, helping bring Canadian product to market,” says Thompson in the news release.

Last year, Canadian fish and seafood exports totaled $8.47 billion, according to the release.

As part of the government’s Spring Economic Update, the funding was announced to be spent over five years to repair, maintain and modernize Canada’s small craft harbours.

The funds will also support ongoing Hurricane Fiona recovery work in the area.

“This investment in small craft harbours is a big win for our community and for rural and coastal communities across Canada,” says Jessica Fancy, MP for South Shore-St. Margarets. “These harbours are vital to local jobs and businesses, and this funding will keep them safe, reliable, and ready to support economic growth for years to come. I’m proud to deliver results that make a real difference here at home.”

According to the government, small craft harbours support more than 45,000 jobs in the fish and seafood industry, with thousands more in shipbuilding, processing, tourism and the supply chains that keep rural and coastal communities running.