|
Thank you for that kind introduction. And good morning, everyone. It’s a great pleasure to be here for this important event.
I know that everyone in the CCG has been looking forward to this day for a long time. Special Operating status will bring about many changes — and many benefits — to the Coast Guard and its employees.
It’s a significant — and unprecedented — achievement. Never before has the government taken such a large part of a department and made it an SOA.
But in the case of the Coast Guard, it was necessary.
I think we all recognize the many roles the Coast Guard plays in Canadian life. Everything from saving lives. To supporting maritime security. To protecting our fisheries. To enhancing maritime safety. To keeping maritime commerce up and running. To protecting the marine environment.
SOA status gives the Coast Guard the flexibility it needs to continue delivering these services. It’s an excellent opportunity for this national institution to focus its resources on what it does best — providing top-notch marine services throughout Canada.
It also reflects the importance of DFO’s — and the Coast Guard’s — role in the government’s priorities, including the Oceans Action Plan, and the Strategy for the North.
By making the Coast Guard an SOA, the Government of Canada is acknowledging the Coast Guard’s importance.
The recent federal Budget also acknowledged the Coast Guard’s importance. It invested $276 million over five years in the Coast Guard’s fleet, which will see the construction of six new large vessels, including two offshore fishery-research vessels, and four midshore patrol vessels. I’m happy to note that two of these vessels will be stationed right here in Dartmouth. Another vessel will be stationed in Quebec City, and three new vessels will serve the West Coast. The Budget also announced funding to acquire four new vessels for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, in support of the government’s maritime security objectives.
I can tell you that everyone around the Cabinet table in Ottawa — from the Prime Minister on down — recognizes the important role the brave men and women of the Coast Guard do, day in and day out.
Ladies and gentlemen, SOA status — combined with the recent federal Budget funding — gives the Coast Guard the flexibility it needs to continue providing its valuable services throughout this great country. It will lead to a stronger Coast Guard, one that is well-positioned to continue serving Canadians for years to come.
I look forward to continuing to work closely with Commissioner Adams, and indeed, everyone in the Canadian Coast Guard, to make the most of this new status, and ensure a strong Coast Guard into the future.
Thank you very much.
|
