Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - The Canadian Coast Guard plays an essential role in ensuring the safety of mariners and protection of Canada's marine environment. This is why providing Canadian Coast Guard personnel with the vessels they need to continue to deliver these critical services to Canadians through the National Shipbuilding Strategy is a priority for the Government of Canada.
Today, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Mike Kelloway, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, officially welcomed Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) La Poile Bay to the Canadian Coast Guard fleet with a dedication to service ceremony at the Canadian Coast Guard's search and rescue station in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
Parliamentary Secretary Kelloway was joined by Gary Ivany, Assistant Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard Atlantic Region, on behalf of Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard, Elder Lawrence Wells of Membertou First Nation, and the vessel sponsor, Lloydette MacDonald to participate in the traditional breaking of a ceremonial bottle upon the ship's bow.
CCGS La Poile Bay was delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in August 2021. The vessel is the tenth of 20 new search and rescue lifeboats that are named after geographical bays across Canada.
The lifeboats are specifically designed, equipped and crewed to respond to search and rescue incidents at sea. These vessels can operate up to 100 nautical miles from shore, maintain a maximum 30 minute state-of-readiness, and are typically ready to respond the moment an alert is received.
These vessels are being stationed across Canada to provide key search and rescue services including searches on the water, responding to marine distress response calls as well as assistance to disabled vessels.
