SOOKE, BC, Feb. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - The Prix d'Excellence is one of Fisheries and Oceans Canada's most prestigious awards, honouring teams and individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the success of the Department's Harbour Authority Program for small craft harbours.
Harbour Authorities are responsible for the day-to-day harbour operations. They have strong links to the fishing industry, a cornerstone of our Canadian culture and economy, which depends on safe, accessible and well-managed harbours.
Last night, Denise Frenette, Director General, Small Craft Harbours Program, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, presented a 2016 Prix d'Excellence in the category of National Harbour Authority Achievement to the Seyem' Qwantlen Harbour Authority.
The Government of Canada is pleased to recognize the volunteer members of the Harbour Authority and their dedication and commitment to the community of Fort Langley in British Columbia.
The Seyem' Qwantlen Harbour Authority was formed in 2013 by the Kwantlen First Nation to manage the McMillan Island small craft harbour in Fort Langley. It has demonstrated success in several areas, including significantly improving harbour safety and operations through actions such as increasing commercial fishing moorage, upgrading security systems and installing signage. In support of its long-term plan for the harbour and surrounding area, the Harbour Authority is also negotiating with provincial agencies to remediate the former Translink ferry terminal in the adjacent water lot.
The Harbour Authority has demonstrated exceptional harbour management skills and strong leadership while proactively planning for the future of its harbour, its users and local community.
Quotes
"I am very pleased to recognize the Seyem' Qwantlen Harbour Authority with the National Harbour Authority Achievement award for its incredible and ongoing commitment to those who depend on a safe and secure harbour. Harbour users and the community benefit from its leadership and abilities."
Denise Frenette, Director General, Small Craft Harbours Program, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
"We are proud to honour the efforts and accomplishments of the Seyem' Qwantlen Harbour Authority. Harbour Authorities across Canada are the cornerstone of service delivery for small craft harbours and provide an undeniably high level of service to fish harvesters and other harbour users, which is essential to the livelihoods of Canadians in coastal communities."
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"Seyem' Qwantlen Harbour Authority is extremely honored to receive this award. We are a small Harbour Authority with big dreams, run by volunteers. We work hard to find a balance supporting Kwantlen's Aboriginal Fisheries and Commercial Fisheries.
As Fraser River Salmon runs continue to decline we see the impacts to the fishing community. Seyem' Qwantlen Harbour Authority is committed to seeking creative ways to maintain Harbour Authority assets for sustainable benefit to the greater community."
Drew Atkins - Lands & Resources, Seyem' Qwantlen Business Group
Associated Links
For more information about the Prix d'Excellence and about submitting nominations for future awards, visit this site.
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region
Media Inquiries, Communications, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 604-666-1746, [email protected]; Vincent Hughes, Office of the Minister, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-996-0022, [email protected], Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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