JUNE 26, 2013 — Canadian defense minister Peter MacKay has announced that the Canadian government is to provide funding of up to Canadian $488 million to procure 18-21 new vessels for the Coast Guard Fleet.

The construction of these vessels will be available for competitive bids by Canadian shipyards not selected under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and will provide jobs for small and medium enterprises and shipyards across Canada.

"Our Government has made it a priority to equip the men and women of the Coast Guard with the vessels they need to do their important work," said Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. "Renewing the fleet will enable the Coast Guard to continue serving Canadians from coast to coast to coast for future generations."

The 18-21 vessels will include:

• Search and Rescue Lifeboats
• Specialty Vessels
• Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessels
• Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels
• Mid-Shore Science Vessels
• Special Navaids Vessels

Vessels will be constructed over the next seven years and will replace existing vessels of the Coast Guard fleet and will be stationed across Canada based on operational need.