The following is the text of a news release from the Government of Canada:
(GASPE, Quebec) (July 9) — Today the Canadian Coast Guard inaugurated its newest Hero-class midshore patrol vessel, CCGS A. LeBlanc, into the fleet. This vessel will be used mainly to enforce fisheries regulations in the St. Lawrence River and Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The vessel was named in honor of fishery officer Agapit LeBlanc, from Bouctouche, New Brunswick, who joined the Canadian Fisheries and Marine Service in 1920 and was killed on Oct. 20, 1926, while investigating illegal fishing activity.
Since 2009, the Government of Canada has delivered many new vessels to the Canadian Coast Guard, including nine midshore patrol vessels, two hovercrafts, five search and rescue lifeboats, three specialty vessels, three near-shore fisheries research vessels, as well as numerous barges and small craft.
"Our government has made historic investments to renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet and this is with great pride that I welcome the arrival of the CCGS A. LeBlanc to our fleet," said Gail Shea, minister of Fisheries and Oceans. "This new patrol vessel is part of the Hero-class vessels and is named in honour of a fishery officer killed in the line of duty. The CCGS A. LeBlanc improves the department’s capacity for an effective monitoring of fishing activities on the St. Lawrence."
Quick facts
• Hero-class vessels are named for decorated soldiers, veterans and police officers as well as employees of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.
• By naming these vessels after Canadian heroes, the Government of Canada hopes to encourage further generations to learn about Canadian history, culture and geography.
• CCGS A. LeBlanc was built in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
• The 2012 Economic Action Plan provided $5.2 billion to renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. This builds on $1.6 billion in fleet renewal investments committed over the previous seven years.
