The MP for West Nova says more money needs to be put into port infrastructure.
Colin Fraser says he has been lobbying for additional funding for small craft harbours.
He says that remains one of his priorities.
Fraser says the fishery is doing very well and investments must continue for the long-term.
“To ensure they have adequate facilities. The port authorities that I’ve been speaking with are under quite a bit of pressure right now, with the increasing size of boats and some of the ports haven’t had any work done to them for years. We did some good work with the money in budget 2016 but there’s more to do.”
He says broadband rural Internet is another key issue for him.
“Broadband Internet is very important in our area. We saw money in budget 2016 but that hasn’t rolled out and been totally put into effect on the ground yet.”
Fraser also expects third reading to be passed this spring regarding CETA, the comprehensive trade agreement with Europe.
“It means new export markets for businesses in South West Nova Scotia including the seafood and agricultural sectors.”
Fraser says he and the other Atlantic MP’s are excited about the Atlantic Growth Strategy.
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/ags-sca/Eng/atlantic-growth.html
Last week the four Atlantic premiers met with four cabinet ministers from this region along with the ministers of ACOA and Immigration.
Fraser says rolling out the Strategy will be key to the Liberals plan over the next few months
“Basically this is a renewal of economic development opportunities for our area. An important piece of that will be immigration to ensure that we’ve got a growing population in our rural areas. That’s really going to be really key for West Nova and I look forward to playing an important part of the roll-out of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, there’s lots to come on that.”
