The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has long been integral to the safety of mariners and the protection of Canada’s vast marine ecosystem. As part of its commitment to maintaining these critical services, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through the National Shipbuilding Strategy to ensure the fleet is equipped with the most advanced vessels.
On July 30, 2025, the Canadian Coast Guard officially added the CCGS Baie des Chaleurs to its growing fleet at a ceremony held at the Lifeboat Station in Clark’s Harbour, Nova Scotia. The event was marked by the traditional breaking of a ceremonial bottle on the ship’s bow, a time-honoured custom. This momentous occasion was attended by Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets, and vessel sponsor Rosemarie Patricia LeBlanc, along with the ship’s crew and local community members.
“Welcoming the CCGS Baie des Chaleurs is a proud moment for our coastal communities and a vital step forward in protecting our waters and those who depend on them. This vessel is a symbol of our deep connection to the sea and our ongoing commitment to keeping our waters safe for generations to come,” expressed Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets.
The CCGS Baie des Chaleurs is one of 20 new search and rescue lifeboats that will be stationed across Canada to bolster the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to maritime emergencies. These specialized vessels are designed to operate up to 100 nautical miles from shore and can achieve a rapid state of readiness within 30 minutes of an alert. Their primary mission is to provide swift responses to search and rescue operations at sea, assist in marine distress situations, and offer help to disabled vessels.
“I am pleased to welcome the CCGS Baie des Chaleurs into service. This investment under the National Shipbuilding Strategy will ensure that search and rescue crews have state-of-the-art equipment that allows them to safely, effectively, and efficiently serve Canadians,” stated the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries.
To date, 13 of the new lifeboats have already been stationed at Coast Guard stations along the Atlantic coast, ensuring that vital maritime safety services are available when needed most. With the addition of the CCGS Baie des Chaleurs, the Canadian Coast Guard continues to enhance its fleet and strengthen its commitment to safeguarding Canada’s marine environment and the people who navigate its waters.
“I congratulate the Canadian Coast Guard on the commissioning of its 16th new search and rescue boat. We are proud to support the construction of these Bay-class vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, enabling Coast Guard personnel to provide maritime assistance and keep our waters safe. This milestone is another step in building a Canada strong investing in our maritime sovereignty, supporting Canadian jobs, and reinforcing our shipbuilding expertise from coast to coast to coast,” said the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
