Canadian Coast Guard Donates Equipment to Auxiliary in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut

CAMBRIDGE BAY, NUNAVUT--(Marketwired - Dec. 27, 2013) - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the donation of a Boston Whaler and motor from the Canadian Coast Guard to the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.

"This donation is a testament to the good working relationship between the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary in Cambridge Bay," said Minister Shea. "It enhances the capacity of the local auxiliary to train for and respond to marine emergencies in and around the community."

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) oversees activities of the CCG Auxiliary, a highly effective volunteer organization that assists the Canadian Coast Guard in Search and Rescue (SAR) response and prevention activities.

"Arctic communities rely on a variety of resources during emergency situations and this donation will supplement existing equipment that may be called upon to assist in Search and Rescue situations," said Minister Aglukkaq. "This donated equipment represents the strong partnerships that exist between the Canadian Coast Guard and the CCG Auxiliary and Canadians benefit from these important relationships to ensure the safety and security of Canadian waters, including in the North."

The equipment (17-foot Boston Whaler and 90 HP Outboard motor) was no longer being used by the Canadian Coast Guard but was maintained in good operating condition. It is currently in the community and is being donated on an "as is, where is" basis. The CCG Auxiliary used the equipment in previous years and is familiar with its operation.

The mission of the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue Program is to save and protect lives in the marine environment and its motto is "Safety First - Service Always."

For broadcast: The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the donation of a 17-foot Boston Whaler and a 90 HP outboard motor to the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, strengthening the partnership that exist between Canadian Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

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

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