Harper Government Invests in Infrastructure that Supports the Coast Guard

SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - April 1, 2015) - Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will fund work to upgrade a fuel storage tank at the Canadian Coast Guard facility in Saint John.

This upgrade will ensure that one of the Canadian Coast Guard's twenty-two helicopters has ongoing access to fuel in order to carry out its important missions. The Saint John helicopter was recently employed to lift crews to Southwest Grand Manan where they repaired a vital Aid to Navigation. The Government's investment in infrastructure ensures the continued delivery of excellent services that keep Canada's waters safe and secure.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided an unprecedented level of funding to support investments in public infrastructure across Canada. Last fall, Prime Minister Harper announced an additional investment of $5.8 billion over the next two years to invest in infrastructure across the country in areas such as heritage, First Nations education, defence, borders, research facilities, harbours, transportation and search and rescue to create jobs from coast to coast to coast. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of $551.1 million.

QUICK FACTS

• The Coast Guard helicopter based in Saint John will use this storage tank for fueling.
• Maintenance of this storage tank is essential to ensure the continuation of efficient services provided by the Canadian Coast Guard.
• This helicopter provides airlift capabilities to Coast Guard's Marine & Civil Infrastructure operations to navigation and communication sites in the Bay of Fundy.
• This project will also provide local employment opportunities for the community.

QUOTES

"Providing the hardworking men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard with updated facilities is essential to their work. Our Government knows the important role infrastructure plays in creating jobs in rural and coastal communities, and ensuring safe and secure waters."

- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

"Our Government continues to make concrete improvements to Canada's infrastructure. This investment, among many others over the next two years, will ensure the continued delivery of the excellent services that Canadians expect from the Coast Guard."

- Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John

ASSOCIATED LINKS

- PM announces new infrastructure investments across Canada

- Federal Infrastructure

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