Sydney, Nova Scotia - The Government of Canada supports the development and training of individuals who want to contribute to the protection, safety and maintenance of our waters and waterways for all Canadians. The program offered by the Canadian Coast Guard College ensures that those men and women acquire world-class training and skills to serve in our Coast Guard.
Today, the Canadian Coast Guard College celebrates its 50th graduating class, welcoming 33 Officer Cadets who come from seven different provinces. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Sean Casey on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, honoured the graduating class of 2019 during a ceremony at the Coast Guard College in Sydney, Nova Scotia. These 33 newly graduated officers will immediately be posted to vessels to conduct and support operations.
The Government of Canada is committed to building up the capacity of the Coast Guard and supporting important work of this organization. We reaffirmed this commitment with the recent announcement of a fleet renewal, including 18 new vessels to be built in Canada. This investment will ensure that the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard are working with the best possible equipment while they keep our oceans safe, protect the environment, and keep our economy moving.
The Canadian Coast Guard College, established in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, is a world-class training facility that provides quality service and expert maritime training to its residents in both official languages. More than 1,050 fleet officers have graduated from the College where hundreds of international students have been trained in specialty programs.
"I am pleased to extend congratulations to the 2019 graduating class of the Canadian Coast Guard College. Today marks the beginning of a great adventure for all of those who join the ranks of highly esteemed officers who are keeping our mariners and waterways safe on all three coasts. They have been given great responsibility and I am sure they have what it takes to succeed. Fair Winds and Following Seas!"
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"It's an honor to celebrate among all these new officers, keen and ready to ensure safety on Canadian waters. From search and rescue and environmental response to icebreaking operations, we rely on them and their determination to provide safety and security of life at sea and protect Canada's waters. Congratulations and welcome to the Canadian Coast Guard's fleet."
Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick facts
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Established in September 1965, the Canadian Coast Guard College offers to successful applicants the opportunity to train in either Marine Navigation or Marine Engineering in the four-year Officer Training Program (OTP). The program provides Officer Cadets with a thorough understanding of ship operations and the latest in marine technology.
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On January 25 of this year, the Government of Canada awarded a $53.6 million contract to Joneljim Concrete Construction (1994) Limited to replace the mechanical and sprinkler systems at the Canadian Coast Guard College. The work includes the installation of state-of-the-art heat pump technology that will use ocean water from Sydney Harbour to provide heating and cooling to the entire campus.
