Question Period Note: Cap-aux-Meules Wharf Restrictions

• My department is continuing to examine options for berthing the affected vessels. In the short term, Government officials are discussing with fish harvesters and other port users in Cap-aux-Meules to find areas within the port where unloading activities and berthing can take place.
• In the longer term, work would need to be carried out at DFO-owned harbour in order to accommodate crab vessels, which are bigger than the vessels typically moored at our harbours on the Island.

If pressed on compensation to affected fish harvesters
• We are in discussions with local authorities, including fish harvesters, and our priority is to ensure that harvesters are able to move forward with this year’s fishing season.

Importance of the Fishery for the Magdelen Islands
• Our Government understands the importance of the fishery, not only for the people of the Magdelen Islands, but indeed for all of Canada. That is why we are working with Transport Canada officials to find solutions so that fish harvesters can have safe facilities for the upcoming season.

• On February 25, Transport Canada (TC) informed users of its port facilities at Cap-aux-Meules that operational restrictions will be imposed on the "fishermen's wharf". These restrictions are due to the deterioration of the wharf's condition, which was recently confirmed by a detailed inspection conducted by SNC-Lavalin.
• Strong reactions from the community and the media are expected, as:
o The relocation of certain tenant facilities and equipment could result in costs to tenants and require time;
o The restrictions will result in a decrease in the number of available berths. Without these restrictions, the Cap-aux-Meules harbour is already used beyond its capacity during the fishing season and fishing vessels must tie up at the shoulder or at the tanker wharf, when it is available.
o Prohibiting vehicular access in certain areas could have an impact on traffic on the access road along the fishermen's wharf. This is on top of the additional traffic that will be generated by the CAM-Souris ferry service because of work that will be carried out on the ramp of the Le Madeleine ferry wharf.
• DFO and TC officials are currently discussing possible solutions to this situation.
• Discussions are underway to allow harvesters to unload and berth in other sections of the port in Cap-aux-Meules.
• TC is expected to make an announcement regarding these accommodations before the end of March 2021.
• In the longer term, it may be possible to berth these vessels at some SCH harbours, such as Havre Aubert and Grande Entrée, but work would be required beforehand.

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