Mr. Speaker, coastal communities and the fishing and shipping industries had been demanding the setting up of a search and rescue organization.
On January 26, 1962, Léon Balcer, the then minister of Transport, announced that the fleet of the Department of Transport would be called the Canadian Coast Guard.
Today the mandate of that fleet includes coordinating and conducting marine research and rescue operations, supporting the enforcement of the fishing regulations, providing ships or platforms for marine and fishery research, and ensuring that shipping lanes are clear and safe.
I ask hon. members to join me in congratulating the 4,400 members of the coast guard and the 5,100 volunteers, whose dedication and actions enable the coast guard to fulfill its mandate.