Question Period Note: Explosion at Hnausa Small Craft Harbours

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About

Reference number:
DFO-2022-00030
Date received:
Jun 3, 2022
Organization:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Name of Minister:
Murray, Joyce (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Issue/Question:

Explosion at Hnausa Small Craft Harbours

Suggested Response:

The Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation operates out of the Small Craft Harbour facility at Hnausa, Manitoba. On May 6, 2022, an explosion occurred at this harbour.

The explosion occurred after a work crew had departed the vessel. Thankfully there were no serious injuries in this incident.

The Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation is responsible for carrying out remediation efforts at the site, which I understand have been completed. My officials are awaiting a final report on the findings of those efforts and on how the corporation will continue to deliver the services that the surrounding community depends on.

If pressed on the barge
The marketing board is also working on how it will manage its operations during the upcoming season in support of affected communities.

My officials continue to monitor the situation.

Background:

• On Friday May 6, 2022, there was an explosion onboard a dry-docked vessel at Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) Small Craft Harbour (SCH) facility at Hnausa, Manitoba.
• Riverton-Bifrost and Arborg-Bifrost community Fire Departments extinguished the blaze.
• Hnausa harbour is an active commercial fishery harbour, and the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC) operates at the site.
• Remediation efforts, led by the FFMC, have concluded at the site, however, SCH is awaiting a final report to confirm results of those remediation efforts
• It is reported that the Poplar River barge, which is owned and operated by the FFMC, will not be usable this upcoming season and that the FFMC is working on alternate plans to assist the affected communities.
• Media articles have reported that the Poplar River First Nation has indicated that it may have to ration food and fuel as a result, and has declared a state of emergency.
• DFO, the FFMC, the Province of Manitoba, and other federal government departments (e.g., Indigenous Services Canada) are communicating on ways to assist the affected communities.

Additional Information:

None