That's correct.
Evidence of meeting #4 for Fisheries and Oceans in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was authority.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #4 for Fisheries and Oceans in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was authority.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:10 p.m.
Bloc
Raynald Blais Bloc Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC
If I have any time left, I am going to use it while the Chair is very busy.
Is it possible for you to tell us how much you know about other harbour administrations that are having major problems and suffering from underfunding? How do you see that?
5:10 p.m.
Harbour Manager, Harbour Authority of Woods Harbour
I wouldn't presume to understand or report on the problems other harbour authorities are experiencing. However, I am aware, through some projects I have worked on, that there are problems with other harbour authorities.
Again, it is something that's up in your face. If you have a harbour authority that has perhaps 12 vessels, its ability to generate revenue is extremely limited.
I'm very fortunate in that I have a large facility and the ability to generate revenue. Therefore, I'm able to do things that other harbours can't.
5:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Fabian Manning
Thank you, Mr. Blais. You were on time. I was watching through one eye.
Mr. Stoffer.
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Madam Nickerson, welcome to Ottawa.
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
With respect to insurance, what does yours cost per year?
5:15 p.m.
Harbour Manager, Harbour Authority of Woods Harbour
To tell you the truth, I really couldn't say right off the top of my head. Our insurance is paid for.
5:15 p.m.
Harbour Manager, Harbour Authority of Woods Harbour
By the small craft harbours program.
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
You talked about the business model, a 20-80 proposal, that if you had so much money in hand the government would come up with the remainder if you wanted specific work done. In most cases, businesses have to go to private lending institutions, such as a bank, to get that funding. Your business model involves government funding, either provincially or federally. It's nice to see that the federal government hasn't completely abandoned you yet.
I have noticed in Nova Scotia recently that there has been a rash of announcements for small craft harbours. Have any of those announcements positively affected your area as well?
5:15 p.m.
Harbour Manager, Harbour Authority of Woods Harbour
In terms of my harbour authority specifically, last year we successfully applied for a non-capital project. That resulted in the construction of a new block and span at the Falls Point facility and mattresses at our lower wharf, which now enables us to haul up seven vessels at a time, as opposed to three.
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
Excellent.
When you make repairs to the pilings or the decking of the wharves, and we'll say, for argument's sake, that it costs $3,000, are you able to claim that from the small craft harbours program?
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
You don't. Okay.
What was the cost for fishermen to use the wharves prior to divestiture? What did they have to pay?
5:15 p.m.
Harbour Manager, Harbour Authority of Woods Harbour
Prior to divestiture? I'm not sure about your question.
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
For example, your organization took over the management of that wharf, right?
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
Prior to that, it was run by the small craft harbours program.
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
What did the fishermen have to pay to use those harbours before your organization took over?
5:15 p.m.
Harbour Manager, Harbour Authority of Woods Harbour
I have only been associated with the harbour authority for the past three years, so I couldn't comment on that.
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
If you're talking to the fishermen, would it be at all possible to send us what their costs were to use those wharves prior to your authority and what they are now? I'm asking for a comparison.
5:15 p.m.
Harbour Manager, Harbour Authority of Woods Harbour
Of course. I will take all of your requests to my board, and with their approval, we'll look forward to sending you anything you request.
5:15 p.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
That would be wonderful.
I want to ask, are they still serving those bay fish and chips in the restaurant down there?