Federal Government invests in New Vessels to Support Fisheries and Oceans' Conservation and Protection Capability

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - July 14, 2015) - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, 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 $2.6 million for seven new surveillance vessels to support Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Conservation and Protection Program in Nova Scotia.

Two contracts to procure three rigid hull inflatable surveillance vessels were awarded to Rosborough Boats of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and one contract for four jet patrol surveillance vessels was awarded to Samson Enterprises of Arichat, Nova Scotia. All of these vessels will support surveillance operations for fishery officers, and will be stationed in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

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.

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 new rigid hull inflatable boats feature an extended cabin which will assist fishery officers in conducting surveillance operations in inclement weather.

• Fishery officer duties include enforcing the Fisheries Act and other related acts and regulations; protecting fishery resources and fish habitat by conducting patrols on the land, on the sea and in the air; and participating in public education and awareness programs to develop greater awareness of fishery resources and habitat protection.

• As part of the Federal Infrastructure Initiative, $183 million is being invested for the repair, life extension, and procurement of vessels and small craft for the Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Quotes

"Our Government understands that the quality of life Canadians depends on safety as well as economic growth. The vessels announced today will support vital surveillance operations for Fisheries and Oceans at various locations across the Maritimes, including right here in Nova Scotia. These investments are supporting Fisheries personnel and they are also resulting in job creation to ensure long-term prosperity in communities like Halifax and, indeed, across the Maritimes."

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova

"Our Government is proud to invest in the modernization and procurement of new small crafts. In addition to generating economic growth, it will make an enormous difference to our fishery officers, who are out on the water every day ensuring the safety and sustainability of our fisheries."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"Samson Enterprises is very pleased to have been awarded this contract from Fisheries and Oceans Canada as it will enable the company to maintain a workforce of 25 employees in a rural Nova Scotia community."

Réal Samson, Samson Enterprises Ltd.

"This is a very important contract to a small business like Rosborough Boats. Opportunities like this one ensure that Nova Scotia companies continue to employ Canadians and support critical government programs such as DFO's Conservation and Protection initiatives."

Heaton Rosborough, Managing Director, Rosborough Boats

Related Products

• Minister Shea announces the Addition of a New Vessel to the Conservation and Protection Program in Nova Scotia
  

Associated Links

• Federal Infrastructure Initiative

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

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