Government of Canada to invest in eight search and rescue lifeboats for Canadian Coast Guard

GATINEAU, QC, Dec. 6, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to getting the Canadian Coast Guard the equipment it needs to keep Canadian waterways safe and provide meaningful economic opportunities for Canadian shipyards.

On behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, Public Services and Procurement Canada is acquiring eight new high-endurance search and rescue (SAR) lifeboats from Chantier Naval Forillon of Gaspé, Quebec, and Hike Metal Products of Wheatley, Ontario.

Chantier Naval Forillon and Hike Metal Products were already producing six SAR lifeboats each under existing contracts signed in 2015. Under the amended contracts, each shipyard will build four additional lifeboats at a total cost of $61,757,896. These contracts were awarded under the small vessel component of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and will help maintain well-paying, middle-class jobs at both shipyards.

With the ability to operate up to 100 nautical miles from shore, these new high-endurance SAR lifeboats are enhancing the Coast Guard's search and rescue capabilities. Vessels from this class are named after bays in Canada and are being built under the Federal Infrastructure Initiative, the Fleet Renewal Plan and Oceans Protection Plan.

Quotes

"Our government is providing the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard with the modern equipment they need through the National Shipbuilding Strategy. At the same time, we are creating good middle class jobs and strong business opportunities for the Canadian marine sector."

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility

"Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy and Oceans Protection Plan, we are providing members of the Canadian Coast Guard the equipment they need to keep Canadian waters and those who use them safe. The addition of these new lifeboats will also create more jobs for Canadians and enhance the Coast Guard's capacity as a leader in maritime safety."

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick facts

• Chantier Naval Forillon in Gaspé, Quebec, won a $45.8-million contract in July 2015 to build six vessels. This contract created 25 new jobs, as well as sustaining approximately 35 jobs.
• Hike Metal Products in Wheatley, Ontario, won a $43.4-million contract in July 2015 to build six vessels. This contract created and sustained 45 jobs.
• To date, four new high-endurance SAR lifeboats have been delivered to the Coast Guard.
• SAR lifeboat stations are operated by highly-trained Canadian Coast Guard personnel, who are well-equipped to respond to marine incidents in near-shore areas.  
• Under the $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, seven new lifeboat stations are being built, contributing to safer waters and coasts across Canada.

Associated links
Chantier Naval Forillon Inc. 
Hike Metal Products 
Canadian Coast Guard 
SAR lifeboat rollover test

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada