OTTAWA – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, made the following statement regarding the boarding of the MV Sun Sea:
"Yesterday, the Canadian Forces assisted our Government of Canada security partners in apprehending the migrant vessel MV Sun Sea as it entered Canadian territorial waters.
The Navy frigate HMCS Winnipeg, carrying an RCMP Emergency Response Team and personnel from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), intercepted the MV Sun Sea enroute to harbour in British Columbia, allowing the RCMP to board and take control of the vessel, while CP-140 Aurora long range patrol aircraft out of Canadian Forces Base Comox monitored the situation overhead. Navy personnel then piloted the vessel safely to port, under escort from HMCS Winnipeg, with the Kingston Class ship HMCS Whitehorse standing by to assist as needed, while CF medical personnel were on hand to provide medical assistance as required.
A primary role of the Canadian Forces is to protect our citizens and help exercise Canada's sovereignty. It is clear from this successful operation that the Canadian Forces have the skilled personnel, training and equipment needed to assist our Government partners in defending our country and our continent from security threats.
This operation is part the Government of Canada's clear message to those who would take advantage of Canadian generosity that human smuggling and illegal migration can not and will not be tolerated.
I commend the Canadian Forces for their swift and capable reaction to this incident."
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