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Archived – Response to Media Reports on Release of Action Plan for L’Acadien II
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July 16, 2009
All Canadians were saddened by the tragedy that followed the capsizing of the vessel L’Acadien II in 2008.
Following the accident, three separate investigations, two of which were independent, examined its circumstances and contributing factors. As part of our commitment to learn from the lessons of this sad event, the Canadian Coast Guard, along with the Department of National Defence and Transport Canada, have worked hard to examine and respond to the issues raised in each review.
On July 14, we released an integrated action plan that we believe demonstrates that we are taking all steps necessary to reduce the chance of this tragedy being repeated. It includes measures that address the safety of fishing vessels, Canadian Coast Guard policies and procedures, and improvements to our operations.
It is important to note, however, that none of the investigations found that Official Language capacity or services in the Coast Guard were issues in the capsizing of L’Acadien ll.
In fact, following the accident, the CCG collaborated with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL) to assess our organization’s performance in this area.
Contrary to comments reported in the media, the Office has indicated that, based on its assessment, the Coast Guard has responded to concerns about the bilingual capacity of its Marine Communications and Traffic Services officers and of its vessels, and that National Defence and the Coast Guard have taken steps to improve bilingual capacity at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax for communications with victims’ families and the media.
The Canadian Coast Guard is strongly committed to providing services to Canadians in both Official Languages and we will continue to monitor and take steps to ensure that the availability of our services meet the standards expected by Canadians in this regard.
George Da Pont
Commissioner
Canadian Coast Guard
For more information:
Scott Cantin
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-993-5413
