Harper Government Invests in 27 New Vessels to Support the Canadian Coast Guard's Search and Rescue Capability

DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 3, 2015) - The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada has awarded two contracts of approximately $7.6 million for 27 new vessels to support the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)'s search and rescue capability.

The two contracts for inshore rescue vessels were awarded to Zodiac Hurricane Technologies Inc. of Delta, British Columbia, and will procure 18 station-based vessels, and 9 ship-based vessels. These inshore rescue boats will support search and rescue operations for the Canadian Coast Guard and be stationed across the country.

These funds are part of the government's $5.8 billion Federal Infrastructure investment announced in November 2014 that will continue to build and renew existing infrastructure and important assets across the country. The Canadian Coast Guard will receive $183 million for repair, life extension of existing vessels, and procurement of new vessels and small craft.

Funding will also provide employment opportunities in communities across Canada, supporting services to Canadians that will contribute to our long-term economic prosperity, and continuing safety and security of Canadians.

Quick Facts

• The vessels and small craft benefiting from these funds will support activities including search and rescue, gathering science data, and assisting conservation and protection officers.
• The Canadian Coast Guard fleet in BC includes 6 helicopters as well as 34 vessels currently in service:
  • 11 large vessels;
  • 3 small vessels;
  • 3 air cushion vehicles;
  • 13 Search and Rescue lifeboats

• The CCG also has 3 staffed equipment depot sites with ocean boom, large skimmers, pumps, power equipment, storage tanks and small vessels and 14 other smaller caches of equipment.

• In BC approximately 1000 employees work for the Canadian Coast Guard. They are located in our two Coast Guard bases, 11 search and rescue stations and 4 inshore rescue boat stations, including one in Vancouver Harbour.

Quotes

"Upon completion, these boats will support vital search and rescue operations for the Canadian Coast Guard at various locations across the country including here in British Columbia. Not only are these investments supporting Canadian Coast Guard personnel, they are also resulting in job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity in communities like Delta and, indeed, right across Canada."

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East

"Our Government has made unprecedented investments to renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet to ensure the safety of Canadians and our environment. The new vessels announced today will serve our dedicated members of the Canadian Coast Guard so they are well equipped to continue their longstanding tradition of service excellence."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Associated Links

Federal Infrastructure Initiative

Canadian Coast Guard

IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

For more information about the Canadian Coast Guard, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.

Follow us on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/DFO_MPO

This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.