Ottawa, Ontario - Canada has one of the world's most diverse, large and challenging areas of search and rescue responsibility. An effective search and rescue system depends greatly on the timely action from local communities that are working in partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard and responders. Through Canada's Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is investing to ensure Canada's waters are safe for all.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier announced $24.29 million in funding, with $3.37 million ongoing, to expand Indigenous search and rescue training and exercising on all coasts, and a $34.1 million investment in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, with $4.85 million ongoing, through the Oceans Protection Plan over the next nine years.
This funding will increase community-based search and rescue capacity across the country and save critical time during incidents. It will support auxiliary units with training and exercising, and purchasing new equipment. This funding will also help with search and rescue training for members of Indigenous coastal communities who play a key role in marine safety, have expertise in navigating local waters, and share ties to Canada's oceans and waterways that span generations. Ensuring we have local networks of trained search and rescue teams on all coastlines will help Canadians, particularly those in remote areas, when fast on-the-water help is needed.
The Oceans Protection Plan is a Canadian success story. When Indigenous Peoples, industry, communities, scientists, and government work together to protect our environment, grow our economy, and support good jobs across the country, we deliver real results. A renewed and expanded Oceans Protection Plan will keep our oceans and coasts healthy, advance reconciliation, and build a clean future for our children and grandchildren.
