Harper Government Establishes New Coast Guard Search and Rescue Resources on the Great Lakes

GODERICH, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2012) - The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today officially opened a new Canadian Coast Guard station at Goderich Ontario, and launched the Coast Guard's newest Search and Rescue Lifeboat, CCGS Cape Rescue.

"Our government is committed to ensuring the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard have the equipment they need to save lives on our waterways," said Minister Ashfield. "With a brand new station on the Great Lakes and a new lifeboat, we are improving the Coast Guard's capacity for search and rescue missions on Lake Huron and throughout the Great Lakes."

"I am pleased that our government is ensuring our region is well-served by the Canadian Coast Guard," said Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce Ben Lobb, who joined Minister Ashfield at the official opening and vessel dedication ceremony.

The sponsor of the vessel was Mrs. Jo-Anne Homan whose family has longstanding linkages to the Goderich harbour.

In addition, the Government of Canada has committed more than $1.4 billion to the Coast Guard over the past 6 years, including new mid-shore patrol vessels, scientific research vessels, a new hovercraft and Canada's first polar icebreaker. Major repair work has been completed on 40 Canadian Coast Guard vessels and the acquisition of 98 new small craft and boats. Economic Action Plan 2012 has also signalled further significant investments to the Canadian Coast Guard to revitalize the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet.

For additional background Information:

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2012/ca09a-eng.htm

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For broadcast: The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, has officially opened a new Canadian Coast Guard station at Goderich Ontario, and launched the Coast Guard's newest Search and Rescue Lifeboat, CCGS Cape Rescue.

"Our government is committed to ensuring the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard have the equipment they need to save lives on our waterways," said Minister Ashfield. "With a brand new station on the Great Lakes and a new lifeboat, we are improving the Coast Guard's capacity for search and rescue missions on Lake Huron and throughout the Great Lakes."