For Immediate Release

July 15, 2016 – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of delivering marine services that support on-water safety and the economic prosperity of Canada’s waterways while supporting Canada’s shipbuilding industry, ensuring the best value for Canadian taxpayers.

The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today that a $3.6-million contract has been awarded to Newdock – St. John’s Dockyard Ltd., for important refit and maintenance work on the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCSG) Samuel Risley.

The CCGS Samuel Risley is an icebreaker and buoy tender based in Parry Sound, Ontario, normally operating in the Great Lakes. The Risley has a capability to break ice up to two feet thick.

Work on the Risley began in June 2016, and is scheduled to be completed by September 2016. Main vessel work includes replacement of the bow thruster, a crane overhaul and a recoating of the hull. The galley will also be refurbished and various pieces of equipment onboard the vessel will be inspected.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure the safety and economic viability of Canada’s waterways. Through investments like this, the Canadian Coast Guard is able to continue its critical operations, while growing our economy and preserving middle-class jobs.”

The Honourable Judy M. Foote,
Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada

“This work ensures the vessel can continue to fulfill mission requirements and operate efficiently. Not only are these investments supporting Canadian Coast Guard personnel, they are also resulting in job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity in communities like St. John’s and all across Canada.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc,
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick Facts

• Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, vessel repair, refit and maintenance contracts, are open to all Canadian shipyards.
• Funding for this project is partly provided under the Federal Infrastructure Initiative announced in November 2014. Under this initiative, the Canadian Coast Guard received $183 million for the repair, life extension and procurement of vessels and small craft.
• It is estimated that this contract will sustain approximately 50 jobs at Newdock – St. John’s Dockyard Ltd.
• The CCGS Samuel Risley joined the Coast Guard fleet in 1985.
• The vessel is named after the first Chairman of the Board of Steamship Inspection in 1858, Samuel Risley.

Associated Links

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Contacts

Annie Trépanier
Office of the Honourable Judy M. Foote
819-997-5421

Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501

Patricia Bell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
613-992-3474

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537

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