Double Small Craft Harbours funding
Petitioners ask the Government to double federal funding for Small Craft Harbours, make that funding permanent, improve communication with harbour authorities and coastal communities, and expedite implementing the January 2024 objectives. The government responds it recognizes the program’s importance and is providing $463.3 million over three years, in addition to the program’s existing annual budget.
Why we would sign this petition
- Increases maintenance and infrastructure funding, helping restore and modernize harbours and create local jobs in fishing communities.
- Permanent funding and improved communication would enable longer-term planning and give harbour authorities and communities a clearer role in decisions.
- Expediting the January 2024 objectives could speed return to fully operated, safe and accessible harbours for harvesters and other users.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Doubling funding is costly and may compete with other fiscal priorities; the petition lacks detail on cost-effectiveness or trade-offs.
- Temporary or targeted funding and accountability measures might deliver repairs faster or more efficiently than an across-the-board doubling.
- Funding alone may not fix management, governance or volunteer capacity issues; administrative and delivery improvements could be required alongside more money.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas: Small Craft Harbours are the backbone of the fishing industry. They aim to provide nationwide facilities and resources to the fish harvesters, other users of harbours, and the fishing industry as a whole. The maintaining of these harbours relies on volunteers that are only able to contribute to around 700 out of 950 harbours that are established across Canada. Last year, the Government stated that it aims for these harbours to be fully operated and maintained to be in good working condition. For years, the program has been operating under a $90 million-dollar annual budget with no promise of any permanent funding increase. Not only have there been no developments for the Government's objectives released last year, but operations have held back maintenance on ongoing projects, and there are no employment opportunities for people in the industry due to this lack of investment. The Government has also failed to build relationships with members of the fishing industry and harbour authorities to understand the needs of coastal communities and act accordingly. Therefore: we, the undersigned residents of Long Range Mountains call on the Government of Canada to: Double Federal funding for Small Craft Harbours. Ensure strong communication with harbour authorities and coastal communities and allow for permanent investment into the industry for the development of modern infrastructure and to create more jobs that the community deserves. Achieve the objectives released by the Government January of 2024 to "maintain a sustainable national network of safe and accessible harbours that are: fully operated; in good working condition; managed and maintained by self-sufficient harbour authorities who represent the interests of users and communities." sooner than later.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Fisheries Signed by Ernie Klassen The Government of Canada recognizes the vital importance of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program to the commercial fishing industry and its network of fishing harbours. These harbours are essential infrastructure for coastal communities across the country, supporting local economies and contributing to Canada's economic prosperity. The Small Craft Harbours Program is responsible for managing and maintaining this network to ensure harbours remain safe and accessible for fish harvesters and other users. This work is supported by the Program’s regular annual budget of approximately $90 million, as well as by a series of temporary funding initiatives. Over the past 10 years alone, the Government of Canada has announced more than $1.5 billion in additional funding to support small craft harbours. Through this program, Fisheries and Oceans Canada oversees a network of 939 small craft harbours in close collaboration with local Harbour Authorities. These non-profit organizations, comprised of more than 5,000 volunteers—many of whom are harbour users themselves—play a crucial role in managing and operating harbours across the country. The dedication of these volunteers is instrumental in ensuring that harbours critical to the fishing industry remain operational and well-maintained. The success of this collaborative effort is largely due to the strong partnership between Harbour Authority officials and Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff. The government is committed to continued support for the Small Craft Harbours program through $463.3 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, announced in Budget 2024 for repairs and maintenance of small craft harbours across the country in addition to the program’s $90 million annual budget.