The federal government is committing to spend $62.8 million for construction and repair work at fishing harbours across Canada.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the funding in Miramichi on Friday, where he said the money this year would go to more than 100 projects that include construction, dredging, repair and maintenance.
He said $22.9 million of that investment will help maintain commercial fishing harbours across the Maritimes.
“We know that Canadian fishermen and women are vital to the prosperity of their communities, communities just like this one,” he said.
“Just like the people of New Brunswick, we understand how vital small craft harbours are to jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”
Nova Scotia will receive $10.2 million in funding for 12 projects, while New Brunswick will receive $8.7 million for 21 projects. Prince Edward Island will receive $4 million for 12 projects.
Federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea said the projects were selected based on need.
“Health and safety are first and foremost to be taken care because we have to ensure the safety of the fishers,” said Shea. “Of course, benefitting from this are the fishers who make use of the small craft harbours to land their catches.”
The projects are in various stages of progress; some have already been completed while others are either in the planning or tendering stage.
“We have a lot of wharves here, also, the dredging, there’s a lot of things that can happen here,” said Miramichi Mayor Jerry Cormier.
Some of the projects will be completed this year while others will carry over into 2014.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Jonathan MacInnis
