Fisheries and Oceans Canada to Relocate within Charlottetown Area

July 16, 2010

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Charlottetown, PEI -- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will be relocating its Charlottetown operations to new premises in the Greater Charlottetown Area. 

“After careful consideration of all the options presented, it was determined that a relocation within the Greater Charlottetown Area was the most cost-effective,” said Minister Shea.  “Moving away from the current area would have involved substantial costs for relocating staff.  DFO remains committed to delivering high quality services in Prince Edward Island.”

Details about the location and timing of the move to new premises are currently being worked out. In the meantime, DFO will continue to deliver its high-quality services from the current location in Charlottetown.

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), as the custodian (owner) of the Charlottetown CCG Base, has been working closely with DFO as it explores options for relocation from that property. With DFO's decision to relocate its operations, PWGSC can now move forward to declare the property surplus to its requirements. There are a number of due diligence activities required by federal policy that must be completed prior to disposing of the property. Subject to the successful completion of these activities and negotiations with the Province of Prince Edward Island, PWGSC anticipates it will be able to complete a transfer of the property to the province.

“I would like to thank all of the community leaders who presented proposals and expressed an  interest in providing a new home for DFO and the Coast Guard,” said Minister Shea.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has approximately 60 employees at the Canadian Coast Guard Base in Charlottetown. They are employed with the Canadian Coast Guard, in the department’s area office, and in conservation and protection.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Marian Kwok Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada 613-993-5413

Nancy Bishay Press Secretary Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada 613-992-3474

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