April 1, 2005 DARTMOUTH -- The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Canadian Coast Guard is now officially a Special Operating Agency, the largest in Canada. The new status means that the CCG will be given greater management and financial flexibility while remaining housed within Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Minister Regan made the announcement while attending an event held today in Dartmouth, N.S. to mark this important occasion for the Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. "The new Special Operating Agency status gives the Canadian Coast Guard the opportunity to focus its resources on what it does best ¿ providing top-notch marine services throughout Canada," said Minister Regan. "The change will also position the CCG to respond to its enhanced role under Canada's national security agenda, while improving traditional services through continuous renewal." As well as its mandate of marine safety, environmental response and the facilitation of maritime commerce, the Canadian Coast Guard will continue to play an integral role in Fisheries and Oceans Canada's mandate of scientific research, conservation and protection and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. On December 12th, 2003, Prime Minister Martin announced changes to the structure of the Government of Canada. One of those changes was to create the Canadian Coast Guard as a Special Operating Agency (SOA) within Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The design and operation of the CCG as an SOA was approved by Treasury Board on March 21, 2005, effective April 1, 2005. "The Government made the Canadian Coast Guard an SOA as part of its ongoing priority to ensure high quality, efficient and effective service to the public," said Minister Regan. "It also acknowledges the importance and unique status of the Canadian Coast Guard within the federal family." In continued recognition of the importance of the services the Canadian Coast Guard provides, the Government of Canada, in its recent budget, invested $276 million over 5 years in the Coast Guard's fleet for the acquisition of six new vessels. In addition, the Coast Guard received new funding for four new vessels for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, in support of the government's maritime security objectives. More information on the Canadian Coast Guard can be found atwww.ccg-gcc.gc.ca. Backgrounder: Special Operating Agency (SOA) Status for Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) -30- For more information: Phil Jenkins Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 990-7537 Sujata Raisinghani Press Secretary Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 992-3474
