June 20, 2014 - Toronto, Ontario
The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, officially welcomed the new Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Corporal Teather C.V. into service at a ceremony in Toronto, Ontario today.
Corporal Robert Gordon Teather C.V. was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police diving team in Surrey, British Columbia. Corporal Teather rescued two fishers trapped in the hull of their capsized boat. This heroic rescue occurred in the early morning hours of September 26, 1981. For his actions, Corporal Teather was awarded the Cross of Valour (C.V.). Corporal Teather passed away on November 14, 2004 of natural causes at the age of 57.
CCGS Corporal Teather C.V. is the third of nine Hero Class vessels to join the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. It will be used to support the Compliance and Enforcement program in the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.
Since 2009, the Government of Canada has delivered several new vessels to the Canadian Coast Guard, including: mid-shore patrol vessels, a hovercraft, search and rescue lifeboats, specialty vessels, near-shore fishery research vessels; environmental barges; and small craft.
“Our Government is pleased to honour the memory of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Corporal Teather C.V. through the naming of this Coast Guard vessel. As we commemorate Corporal Teather’s dedication to our country, we are ensuring that his heroic service will never be forgotten. Our Government continues to support law enforcement agencies in defending our borders and keeping our communities safe. Canadians can count on our Coast Guard to have the tools they need to protect our nation and its people.”
The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“Our Government is proud to welcome the CCGS Corporal Teather C.V. to our fleet. We have invested more in the Canadian Coast Guard than any other government in Canadian history, and we are pleased that our investment also serves to honor Canadian heroes such as Corporal Teather. This new vessel will help the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard and the RCMP in their crucial role of ensuring the safety and security of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, effectively deterring criminal activities and reinforcing our sovereignty.”
The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance
“It is an honour to our fallen member to be recognized through the naming of this vessel. His memory and service carry on through this dedication. Corporal Teather served Canadians and notably rescued two fishermen trapped in the hull of their capsized boat. This tribute highlights eloquently his outstanding courage and commitment to keeping our communities safe. ”
Mike Cabana, Deputy Commissioner Federal Policing
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
RCMP Media Relations
"O" Division (Ontario)
416-992-4409
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