Canadian coast guard to upgrade fuel storage tank to support missions

The Canadian Government is set to fund the upgrade of a fuel storage tank at the Canadian Coast Guard facility in Saint John.

The upgrade programme aims to ensure that one of the Canadian Coast Guard’s twenty-two helicopters has ongoing access to fuel to support its important missions.

Airlift capabilities are provided by the helicopters to Coast Guard’s Marine & Civil Infrastructure operations to navigation and communication sites in the Bay of Fundy.

Canada Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea said: "Providing the hardworking men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard with updated facilities is essential to their work. Our Government knows the important role infrastructure plays in creating jobs in rural and coastal communities, and ensuring safe and secure waters."

Canada Parliament of Saint John member Rodney Weston said: "This investment, among many others over the next two years, will ensure the continued delivery of the excellent services that Canadians expect from the Coast Guard."

The government has been providing funds to support investments in public infrastructure across the region since 2006.

Last year, an additional investment of $5.8bn was announced for infrastructure across the country for over the next two years.

The Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guards, as part of this funding, will receive a total of $551.1m.