Ministers Shea and Ashfield Take Part in Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue Exercise

Canadian Coast Guard Conducts Search and Rescue Exercises Across Prince Edward Island

July 13, 2010

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CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – Canadian Coast Guard Maritimes Region (CCG) and partner agencies are conducting a series of large-scale search and rescue exercises across Prince Edward Island July 13-15.  The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister responsible for the Canadian Coast Guard, joined with the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway observed the exercises on board a Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue boat.

“These exercises help ensure Canada continues to improve and strengthen its maritime search and rescue responses,” said Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea. “Our government is investing in Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue operations, so that it can continue to save and protect lives.”

The exercises involve three separate scenarios, each designed to test different areas of search and rescue response and coverage in the event of a real marine emergency.

“Exercises like this allow the Coast Guard to continually sharpen its readiness,” said Minister Ashfield. “The Coast Guard stands ready to protect the waters of Atlantic Canada.”

Personnel, vessels and aircraft from CCG and partner agencies will stage exercises in Alberton, PEI on July 13, Hillsborough Bay (Charlottetown) on July 14 and Fortune Bay on July 15.

The exercises will also test new communications equipment being deployed for the first time in Prince Edward Island that will allow response partners on the Island to communicate directly with each other. Testing of the communications equipment will be assisted by personnel from the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

Exercise partners include CCG, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Department of National Defence, Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, RCMP, Parks Canada, the Prince Edward Island Department of Energy, Environment and Forestry, local Ground Search and Rescue teams, Charlottetown Fire Department and Island EMS.

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Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea observes search and rescue exercise in the waters off Alberton, Prince Edward Island.

Ministers Shea and Ashfield discuss the successful Search and Rescue Exercise in Alberton, PEI, on July 13, 2010.

For more information:

Communications Branch
Maritimes Region
(902) 426-3550
CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

NR-MAR-09-04E