Re-opening of the Canadian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre St. John’s
News release
ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today the official re-opening of the Canadian Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre St. John’s. The Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre St. John’s will be coordinating responses to incidents in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador, while strengthening the marine safety system across Atlantic Canada. Minister O’Regan was joined by Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East.
The re-opening of the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre St. John’s is a key part of the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, which is investing $1.5-billion to improve marine safety, protect the marine environment, and support economic growth in Canada.
The Centre coordinates the Coast Guard’s on-the-water response to marine incidents in the area, and provides an essential link for mariners operating in the unique and challenging conditions often experienced along the intricate coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre St. John’s will also provide additional and increased capacity in responding to search and rescue cases and will be staffed 24/7. Additionally, the Centre will work closely with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax to ensure rapid and effective responses to maritime incidents.
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Quotes
“The re-opening of the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre St. John’s is an example of the concrete measures we are putting in place under the Oceans Protection Plan to strengthen the Canadian Coast Guard. We made a commitment to re-open this Centre, and I am proud and honoured to say we have made good on this commitment, for the benefit of those who depend upon and enjoy our oceans.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“We are committed to ensuring Canadians have a world-leading marine safety system that they can rely on. The rugged beauty of the Newfoundland and Labrador coastline brings challenges for mariners on the North Atlantic, and re-opening the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre St. John’s will strengthen marine safety across the region.”
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs
“This facility plays a vital role in one of the safest marine systems in the world. Every day its members go to work to ensure the safety of mariners and our marine environment. We simply cannot thank them enough for their service.”
Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
“Mariners often find themselves operating in rough waters around Newfoundland and Labrador. It can be challenging and safety is always on our minds. We are pleased to see the re-opening of the MRSC St. John’s.”
Aidan Penton, President, Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Newfoundland and Labrador
Quick facts
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The Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre St. John’s will coordinate Canadian Coast Guard marine search and rescue in the waters around Newfoundland and Labrador.
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The Centre will have a staff of 12 maritime search and rescue coordinators.
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The average number of marine search and rescue cases in Newfoundland and Labrador each year is 375.
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Approximately $2 million was invested to re-establish the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in St. John’s, including construction, equipment and staff training.
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Contacts
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Vincent Hughes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
613 992 3474
Vincent.Hughes@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
For more information about the Canadian Coast Guard, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.
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