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ST. JOHN’S – Today, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, was invested as Honorary Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard at a ceremony in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The investiture was the seventh since the title was established in 1976.
"Your Excellency, today you join a team of which all Canadians can be proud," said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. "Canadians hold the red and white colours of the Coast Guard close to their hearts."
"It is a privilege for the Coast Guard to have Governor General Michaëlle Jean, Commander in Chief of the Canadian Forces, as its patron."
The Coast Guard has a long and remarkable history of patrolling Canada’s coastline, the longest of any country in the world. It plays an instrumental role in saving lives, facilitating maritime commerce, protecting aquatic environments and supporting maritime security. It is vital to the delivery of federal science programs, including marine science and fisheries management.
"Fishing vessels, pleasure craft and commercial vessels alike can depend on the brave men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard and the members of its Auxiliary, in times of trouble," said George Da Pont, Acting Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard. "In good weather and bad, night or day, those who work or play on our waters know the Coast Guard will be there if danger arises."
The role of Honorary Chief Commissioner was first established at Government House in 1976 with the investment of the Right Honourable Jules Léger. Every subsequent Governor General has carried the title. The last investiture was that of the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson in 2002, which also took place in St. John’s.
More information on the Canadian Coast Guard may be found at
www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Jan Woodford
Regional Director of Communications
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
St. John’s, NFLD
(709) 772-7622
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Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-3474 |
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NR-HQ-06-22E |
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