Government Of Canada Announces Funding For Harbour Improvements At Faust And Joussard, Alberta

February 28, 2008

FORT McMURRAY, AB – Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray-Athabasca, announced last Friday, on behalf of the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal government will invest an estimated $280,000 in improvements to the commercial fishing harbours located at Faust and Joussard, Alberta.

"Harbours need repair and improvements to ensure their safe, functional and efficient operation. These projects demonstrate the federal government’s ongoing commitment to the commercial fishing industry on Lesser Slave Lake," said Brian Jean. "I wish to congratulate the local Harbour Authorities, the commercial fish harvesters and other community representatives who have worked very diligently on this project. They have made a real difference to those who reside in their community and who rely on their harbour for their livelihood."

At Joussard, the project consists of extending the steel sheet pile wharf by 11 metres to make more efficient use of the harbour and enable the future installation of new floating wharves and ramps to accommodate larger fishing vessels. The project at Faust involves the expansion of the basin which will allow, in future phases, the installation of floating wharves to accommodate an additional 32 commercial fish harvesters and other users. Both projects are part of a long-term plan to ensure the provision of safe and functional harbours in support the commercial fishing industry and other boaters. Both projects are being tendered by Public Works and Government Services Canada and will be completed prior to next year’s open water season.

These projects are being undertaken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as part of its Small Craft Harbours Program, in cooperation with the Faust and Joussard Harbour Authorities that manage and operate the respective harbours for local users. This close cooperation with clients allows the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of the commercial fishery.