MP Hayes Welcomes the CCGS Constable Carriere to the Coast Guard Fleet

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 26, 2014) -

Editors Note: There are two photos associated with this press release.

Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, officially welcomed the new Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Constable Carrière into service at a ceremony in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario today.

The vessel is named after Constable J.L. François Carrière, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Constable Carrière died on November 30, 1997, while conducting an underwater search of a vessel believed to be smuggling illegal drugs. Constable Carrière is listed on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Roll of Honour.

The CCGS Constable Carrière is the fourth of nine Hero Class vessels to join the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. It will be used to support the Compliance and Enforcement program in the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.

Since 2009, the Government of Canada has delivered several new vessels to the Canadian Coast Guard, including: mid-shore patrol vessels, a hovercraft, search and rescue lifeboats, specialty vessels, near-shore fishery research vessels, environmental barges, and small craft.

Quick Facts

• The Hero Class vessels are named for decorated soldiers, veterans and police officers as well as employees of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.
• By naming these after Canadian heroes, the Government of Canada hopes to encourage future generations to learn about Canadian history, culture and geography.
• The CCGS Constable Carrière was built in Halifax, Nova Scotia by Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
• Hero class vessels are 43m long, have a maximum speed of 25 knots and are served by 14 CCG officers, crew and program staff. At cruising speed of 14 knots, they have a maximum range of 2000 nautical miles and can spend up to two weeks at sea without re-provisioning.

Quotes

"Our Government is pleased to honour the memory of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable Carrière through the naming of this Coast Guard vessel. As we commemorate Constable Carrière's dedication to our country, we are ensuring that his heroic service will never be forgotten. Our Government continues to support law enforcement agencies in defending our borders and keeping our communities safe. Canadians can count on our Coast Guard to have the tools they need to protect our nation and its people."

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Our Government is proud to have invested more in the Canadian Coast Guard than any other government in Canadian history. We are pleased to welcome the CCGS Constable Carrière to our fleet. While honoring Constable François Carrière, a Canadian hero, this vessel will help the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard and the RCMP in their crucial role of ensuring to the safety and security of our waterways, effectively deterring criminal activities and protecting our sovereignty."

Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament

"It is an honour to our fallen member to be recognized through the naming of this vessel. His memory and service carry on through this dedication. Constable Carrière served Canadians and gave his life in battling organized crime and drug smuggling. This tribute is an important reminder of the courage and outstanding commitment which contributed to the safety of our communities."

Mike Cabana, Deputy Commissioner Federal Policing

Associated Links

• Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels: http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/vessel-procurement/mid-shore-patrol-vessel

• RCMP Marine Security: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/brdr-strtgs/brdr-lw-nfrcmnt/mrn-scrty-nfrcmnt-tms-eng.aspx

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

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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