Sydney, N.S. - The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, today announced the official opening of the new Marine Maintenance and Equipment Training Centre (MMET) at the Canadian Coast Guard College in Sydney, Nova Scotia. "The Canadian Coast Guard requires highly-skilled, specialized technologists. Having a state of the art training centre designed specifically for Coast Guard technological requirements is an important milestone for this national institution," said Minister Regan. The new MMET will offer training to those Coast Guard employees responsible for the repair, maintenance and physical operation of Coast Guard technological systems. These systems include the electronic, navigational and communications systems essential for mariners to navigate safely in our waterways and to operate the Coast Guard fleet. "The new facility gives the Coast Guard a training centre of expertise. It will help ensure that our employees can build on their existing skills and knowledge and will mean that the Coast Guard will continue to be second to none in the world," said John Adams, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard. The Centre, although housed at the Canadian Coast Guard College, will not be part of its current cadet program. Instead, it will be a training centre aimed largely of the Coast Guard's Integrated Technical Services employees as well as its Fleet and Maritime Services employees. The Centre houses five laboratories that will allow for training on computer-based mock-up systems. The Coast Guard's technological training was formerly supplied by NAV Canada in Cornwall, Ontario. When that service was discontinued, the decision was made to build onto the already existing training in place at the Coast Guard College. More information on the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard College can be found at www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca. -30- For more information: Phil Jenkins Manager, Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 998-0625 Sujata Raisinghani Press Secretary Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 992-3474 Lynda Garnier Canadian Coast Guard College (902) 564-3660, ext. 1120 Sydney, Nova Scotia
