Governor General Named Honorary Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard

VICTORIA, B.C. – Minister Ashfield was honoured that His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, today was invested as Honorary Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard at a ceremony held in the Lieutenant Governor’s residence in Victoria.

“Our government is proud to support and honour the Canadian Coast Guard and the men and women who serve this proud institution. We are pleased to welcome His Excellency to a new honorary role as the Honorary Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “For 50 years, the Canadian Coast Guard has served our country with dedication and we are proud to honour them on this important milestone.”

The Governor General also presented Diamond Jubilee Medals to 35 Fishery Officers, Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans employees in the Pacific region for their contributions and achievements. A complete list of the recipients and an overview of their accomplishments is available in the accompanying backgrounder.

This commemorative medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne as Queen of Canada. This year, the Canadian Coast Guard is also celebrating its 50th anniversary of service to Canadians.
 
“I would like to join all Canadians in recognizing 50 years of dedication by the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard whose commitment to service and safety is unbounded and exemplary,” said Minister Ashfield.
 
The Honorary Chief Commissioner’s roles and responsibilities include national ceremonial and promotional initiatives that celebrate the crucial role the Canadian Coast Guard plays in saving lives and protecting the marine environment.

The last Honorary Chief Commissioner title was held by the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean who was invested in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 2006. The investiture is the eighth since the title was first established at Government House in 1976 with the investment of the Right Honourable Jules Léger. Every subsequent Governor General has carried the title.

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Background information:
Recipients of Diamond Jubilee Medals

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For more information:

Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537

Barbara Mottram
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474

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