April 16, 2010
Delta, British Columbia—John Cummins, Member of Parliament for Delta – Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that new fast rescue boats are ready to be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard. Zodiac Marine of Delta, British Columbia, was awarded a $2.5 million contract to build ten new boats in October 2009. The project is funded under the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
“I am pleased workers in Delta are benefiting from the Government's investment in the Coast Guard,” said Mr. Cummins. “Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to create jobs and opportunities across the country.”
The new fast rescue boats will be part of the life-saving equipment on board larger vessels within the Coast Guard fleet, and will replace existing crafts that are nearing the end of their service lives. Seven of the new boats have already been delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard. The final three boats will be delivered by the end of May 2010.
“With this investment, the Government of Canada continues to demonstrate its commitment to Canada's marine industries,” said Mr. Cummins. “The Government is working to ensure the Coast Guard has the equipment needed to provide vital services for Canadians, including search and rescue.”
As part of the $175 million provided through Canada's Economic Action Plan, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will procure 60 new small craft and 38 other small boats and barges, and undertake major repair work on 40 of its aging large vessels. Several contracts have been awarded as a result of competitive processes, and work is underway in shipyards across the country.
Backgrounder:
Budget 2009 – Small Boats http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2009/budget2009e-eng.htm
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For more information:
Dan Bate
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
604-775-8809
Nancy Bishay
Press Secretary
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
