Government of Canada Invests in Meaford Coast Guard Station

News Release

Site Upgrades Part of Federal Infrastructure Commitment

MP Miller Announces Fuel Tank Upgrade, Part of Federal Government Infrastructure Commitment

April 28, 2015 - Meaford, Ontario

Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will fund work to upgrade the fuel storage tank and hazardous-waste management systems at the Meaford Canadian Coast Guard Station.

This upgrade will ensure that Canadian Coast Guard vessels will have ongoing access to fuel to carry out their important missions. The Government’s investment in infrastructure ensures the continued delivery of excellent services that keep Canada’s waters safe and secure.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided an unprecedented level of funding to support investments in public infrastructure across Canada. Last fall, Prime Minister Harper announced an additional investment of $5.8 billion over the next two years to invest in infrastructure across the country in areas such as heritage, First Nations education, defence, borders, research facilities, harbours, transportation and search and rescue to create jobs from coast to coast to coast. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of $551.1 million.

Quick Facts

Meaford is a dedicated seasonal search and rescue station.
The 16.5 metre Motor Lifeboat CCGS Cape Providence regularly works from this station.
Search and rescue taskings per year from Meaford were: 2014: 24 cases; 2013: 55 cases; 2012: 38 cases.
Maintenance of the facility and its assets is essential to ensure the continuation of efficient services provided by the Canadian Coast Guard.
This project will also provide local employment opportunities for the community.

Quotes

“Our Government’s investment in infrastructure will create jobs for Canadians, especially in rural communities, and will support the Canadian Coast Guard’s mandate in protecting mariners. We are proud to provide the hardworking men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard with updated facilities that are essential to their work.”

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

“By makingconcrete improvements to assets like the Meaford Canadian Coast Guard Station, our Government is ensuring the continued delivery of the excellent services that Canadians expect from the Coast Guard.”

Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound