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, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, the Honourable Sean Fraser, officially welcomed CCGS Chignecto Bay to the Canadian Coast Guard fleet at the Search and Rescue station in Port Bickerton, Nova Scotia.
Minister Fraser, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, was joined by Andy Smith, Deputy Commissioner, Shipbuilding and Materiel, Gary Ivany, Assistant Commissioner Canadian Coast Guard Atlantic Region, elder Doreen Prosper, of Paqtnkek First Nation, and the Vessel Sponsor, Keith Horton participated in the traditional breaking of a ceremonial bottle upon the ship's bow.
CCGS Chignecto Bay was acquired by the Government of Canada in May 2022. The vessel is the twelfth 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 will 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.
