Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announced nearly CAD 1 billion (USD 729 million, EUR 621 million) in funding will be invested in the country’s small craft harbors over the next five years.
Canada’s Spring Economic Update 2026 includes a CAD 957.8 million (USD 699 million, EUR 596 million) investment in small craft harbors, which the DFO said will help support the country’s fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood processing sectors. DFO said those harbor support 65,000 jobs, including more than 42,900 commercial fish harvesters.
"Small craft harbors are the working backbone of coastal communities in Canada. This is the largest investment ever made in small craft harbors, reaffirming this new government's commitment to coastal communities, helping bring Canadian product to market. Harvesters depend on them, and the communities around them depend on harvesters,” Canada Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson said in a release. “This funding will support the community of Sambro, and keep harbours safe and operational across the country, so rural and coastal economies stay strong and resilient for the long haul."
The funding is in addition to CAD 90 million (USD 65 million, EUR 56 million) a year included in the department’s annual budget.
DFO said the investments will help build a future-ready harbor network in the country, and includes the funding for the reconstruction of Sambro, Nova Scotia’s wharf structure 402, a portion of the main wharf at the harbor, and floats 802.
The funding will also help support maintenance and repair in other parts of Canada, including ongoing Hurricane Fiona recovery in Atlantic Canada.
“Every Nova Scotian feels the impact of our small craft harbors, whether you’re on a boat or enjoying the catch,” Shannon Miedema, a member of parliament for Halifax, Nova Scotia, said. “With that in mind, today’s announcement reflects more than an investment in fishing infrastructure – it reflects an investment in the lives of Atlantic Canadians and all those who enjoy our delicious seafood.”
