Government neglects Coast Guard

If only the federal government would put its money where its constitutional mouth is. In her recent report the Auditor General pointed out that many of the major vessels of the Canadian Coast Guard, including icebreakers, are getting very old indeed. She went on to say that "The existing schedule indicates most vessels will be replaced long after they have exceeded their estimated useful lives."

In March, 2005, the Liberal fisheries minister announced that the government would be spending $276 million over five years to acquire two fisheries research vessels and four mid-shore fisheries patrol boats. No contract for these ships has ever been signed.

The finance minister, in his budget, March 19, said the Conservative government would provide $324 million over 10 years to purchase six vessels for fisheries science and enforcement.

These are the same vessels that the Liberals pledged to buy two years ago. So now the Conservatives will buy them over ten years rather than the Liberals' five, and at greater cost. At this appalling rate of renewal there will be very little Coast Guard fleet for the Auditor General to look at before too long. For shame--especially as new icebreakers would be just the thing to assert Canadian sovereignty in Arctic waters.