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Victoria, BC – Randy Kamp, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced details of the six new vessels to be based in British Columbia as part of the Canadian Coast Guard’s continued modernization of its fleet.
One state-of-the-art offshore fishery science vessel and five mid-shore patrol vessels will be built in Canada and stationed in the Pacific region beginning in December 2010.
"As a maritime nation, Canada must have a strong and effective Coast Guard," said Kamp. The ongoing commitment of Canada’s New Government to funding a renewed fleet will ensure a stronger Coast Guard and a stronger Canada for years to come. These investments are good news for those who rely on Coast Guard services here on the West Coast and in all of Canada’s waters."
The March 2007 federal budget identified $324 million for the purchase and maintenance of six new vessels for the fleet. This brings the government’s total investments in Coast Guard to more than $750 million since February 2006, for a total of four new offshore vessels and 12 new mid-shore patrol vessels. Coast Guard already has plans under way to acquire an air cushion vehicle for its fleet.
The new mid-shore patrol vessels will be used for fisheries conservation and protection duties in the Pacific Region, and a new offshore fishery science vessel will be based in British Columbia.
"With this renewal, Coast Guard will have the multi-task vessels it needs to deliver a wide range of marine services in a changing environment," said Kamp.
With regional and fleet headquarters in Vancouver and Victoria, the Canadian Coast Guard’s Pacific Region is responsible for more than 27,000 km of coastline, from British Columbia to the Yukon Territory. Its multi-tasked ships provide platforms for scientific research, fisheries enforcement, and environmental response, and they maintain some 2,000 navigational aids. The Coast Guard also supports its federal partners in ensuring security along Canada’s maritime borders.
To access the following fact sheets, go to our web site at the address below.
Fact Sheets:
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Sophie Galarneau
Manager, Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
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Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-992-3474 |
Dan Bate
Communications Officer
Pacific Region
Canadian Coast Guard
(604) 775-8809 |
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NR-HQ-07-15E |
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