Summerside , PEI – The Harper Government is strengthening Canada's Coast Guard fleet with a major investment to extend the service of 40 Coast Guard vessels, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea announced today.
“This investment will enhance the vital life-saving mandate of the Canadian Coast Guard,” said Minister Shea. “In addition to improving the Coast Guard's ability to protect Canadians, this investment will benefit shipyards and create jobs across Canada.”
The Government of Canada will invest $74 million for life extension projects for five of the Canadian Coast Guard's largest vessels and an additional $38 million for major repair work on 35 other large vessels. This two-year $112 million investment is provided through Canada's Economic Action Plan (EAP).
The major repair work will improve the availability and reliability of Coast Guard vessels in delivering programs and supporting activities of other Government of Canada departments. All major repair work and vessel life extensions announced in the EAP are expected to be completed by March 2011.
The $112 million funding announced today is part of the Government of Canada's overall EAP investment of $175 million in the Canadian Coast Guard.
For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Cantin
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(613) 993-5413
Nancy Bishay
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-09-26E
