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

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 22, 2015) -

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The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the addition of a new surveillance vessel to the Conservation and Protection Program in Nova Scotia.

This new rigid hull inflatable boat is the first of 12 new vessels to be delivered to Fisheries and Oceans Canada for surveillance purposes under funding from the new Federal Infrastructure Initiative announced by Prime Minister Harper in November 2014. This additional investment totals $5.8 billion over the next two years to build and renew infrastructure across the country to support Canadian heritage, First Nations education, defence, borders, research, small craft harbours, transportation and search and rescue.

This new infrastructure funding enabled the Department to accelerate the process of obtaining a new Rigid Hull Inflatable boat as part of an existing contract with Rosborough Boats. The boat features an extended cabin which will assist fishery officers in conducting surveillance operations in inclement weather.

Quick Facts

• Fishery officers' 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.
• This new Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat is from the Rough Water™ Professional Series produced by Rosborough Boats in Lakeside (Halifax), Nova Scotia. These boats are built with user input, ensuring that they can meet and exceed the demanding maritime environment from saltwater to freshwater, and many of them are in service with Canadian Federal Agencies providing services ranging from police and patrolling to science and hydrographic services.

Quotes

"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 Conservation and Protection 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

Associated Links

Federal Infrastructure Initiative

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