“For 50 years now, the brave men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard have kept our national waters open, safe and secure. This is truly a remarkable feat given the length and ruggedness of our coast and the rough maritime conditions they encounter on any given day.
“On this special anniversary, I would like to honour all members of this fine institution, both past and present, for their devotion to keeping Canadian waterways and the people who sail through them safe – often risking their lives to do so.
“Our Government recognizes both the dedication of Coast Guard members and the number of Canadian livelihoods that depend on their work. That is why we are upgrading the Coast Guard fleet by building five new ships under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and investing in new tools and training.
“The Canadian Coast Guard and its red and white ships have become national symbols of service and safety earning our respect and admiration. I therefore encourage all Canadians to take time today to pay tribute to the thousands of courageous members who have served, and who continue to serve our country both at sea and on shore.”