Gimli, Manitoba

On behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake and Parliamentary Secretary for National Defence, announced today federal infrastructure funds to upgrade Canadian Coast Guard assets on Lake Winnipeg in support of mariner safety.

This infrastructure investment from the Government of Canada will allow the dedicated men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard to continue providing the high level of service upon which so many boaters and fishers rely. In addition to three storage tanks off site, this funding will ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue and Aids to Navigation station crew has modern and appropriate facilities to work from, so they are well equipped to keep fishers and boaters on Lake Winnipeg safe.

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 build and renew infrastructure across the country to support Canadian heritage, First Nations education, defence, borders, research, small craft harbours, transportation and search and rescue. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of approximately $551 million.

Quick Facts

• The current needs of the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue and Aids to Navigation station have outgrown its capacity. 
• The Department is currently conducting a study to determine the station requirements while ensuring operational efficiencies. 
• Upgrading facilities and their assets is essential to ensure to continuation of services provided by the Canadian Coast Guard. 
• The CCGS Vakta, a Specialty Vessel with a Fast Rescue Craft, is home ported at the Search and Rescue and Aids to Navigation.
• The Aids to Navigation program involves the provision of more than 17,000 short-range marine aids across the country allowing mariners to safely and effectively transit Canadian waters.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada recognizes the important role infrastructure plays in providing mariners with the high level of service they have come to expect from the Canadian Coast Guard.  That is why our Government has made unprecedented investments in upgrading and renewing CCG assets and fleet.”

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

“Our Government recognizes that the current needs of the Canadian Coast Guard station have outgrown its capacity which means an upgrade or expansion is required. Our investments in the CCG facilities will go a long way to protecting the safety of mariners. Today’s announcement will not only support the safe and expeditious movement of vessels on Lake Winnipeg, but will also create local economic opportunities.”

Parliamentary Secretary James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake