NR-HQ-01-33E

Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary launches National Web Site

April 24, 2001

OTTAWA -- The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), today officially launched the national web-site of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA). The Auxiliary, a non-profit volunteer organization, is dedicated to assisting the Government of Canada with maritime search and rescue and safe boating activities.

"The Coast Guard Auxiliary national web-site demonstrates the successful co-operation between DFO and the volunteers of the CCGA," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "The CCGA web-site will permit members of the Auxiliary and the public in general to be better informed about the organization, its achievements as a major partner in Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) and its significant role in promoting boating safety."

Minister Dhaliwal launched the new web-site at a DFO ceremony celebrating National Volunteer Week and the International Year of Volunteer.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is one of over 500 volunteer organizations that make beneficial and significant contributions to the various programs of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The CCGA is involved in approximately 20% of the maritime search and rescue missions and saves over 200 lives in Canada each year. The Internet site for the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary can be accessed at www.ccga-gcac.org.