June 2, 2012
Ottawa, ON – On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today shared with Canadians his heartfelt congratulations to all members of the 2012 graduating class at the Canadian Coast Guard College.
“Your graduation comes in a very special year for the Coast Guard as it marks its Golden Jubilee. It was 50 years ago in January that Prime Minister John Diefenbaker created the Canadian Coast Guard, and over the five decades since, the red and white hulls of its fleet have rightly become part of our heritage.
“Throughout this year, we are honouring the thousands who have served Canadians with distinction, both at sea and on shore. The men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard demonstrate their skill and bravery on an almost daily basis as they go about the business of protecting mariners, our oceans, waterways and the marine environment.
“Today you become part of this iconic institution. Your graduation marks the end of one significant chapter of your lives, but it also represents the beginning of what I hope will be a long and satisfying career with an institution that has a proud history of service to Canadians and others who use our waters.
“You are joining the Coast Guard at an exciting time. In its Economic Action Plan 2012, the government announced $5.2 billion in new funding over the next 11 years to renew or extend the life of the Coast Guard’s fleet of vessels and helicopters. This is in addition to the $175 million announced for smaller vessels and barges through the original Economic Action Plan and the close to $1.4 billion invested in the fleet since 2005 for new mid-shore patrol vessels, scientific research vessels, a new hovercraft and Canada’s first polar icebreaker, among other priorities. Once completed, the government will have invested over $6.7 billion in the Canadian Coast Guard.
“For 47 years, this college has helped hundreds of recruits achieve their dreams. And it has remained on the cutting edge of new technologies. In the process, its graduates will contribute to keeping Canada safe and strong.
“Congratulations again to each of you. Make us proud out there.”
- 30 -
For more information:
Erin Filliter
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
