STATEMENT BY THE CANADIAN COAST GUARD

Ottawa, Ontario –The Canadian Coast Guard today issued the following statement on the consolidation of the Quebec Marine Rescue Sub-centre.

The Canadian Coast Guard has assured the government that maritime search and rescue services for the eastern portion of Quebec region can be consolidated while maintaining the same level of bilingual, 24/7 service on which mariners currently rely.

However, Coast Guard recognizes that the government must be absolutely confident that strong French-language services are in place before any changes proceed. Therefore Coast Guard officials will engage with the Official Languages Commissioner to ensure French-language services out of JRCC Halifax meet or exceed current levels. 

Coast Guard will delay consolidation until such time that the Official Languages Commissioner shares the Coast Guard’s level of confidence in the bilingual capacity at the JRCC Halifax.

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For more information:

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

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