ST.
JOHN'S, NL, July 2, 2024
/CNW/ - For almost 50 years, the Canadian Coast Guard has bestowed
the title of Honorary Chief Commissioner to the Governor General of
Canada. During today's ceremony at
the Canadian Coast Guard Base in St.
John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Her Excellency the Right Honourable
Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, was officially welcomed as Honorary
Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard.
Her Excellency is the first Inuk and the tenth Governor General
to hold the title of Honorary Chief Commissioner since the role was
established in 1976. The Canadian Coast Guard respects Her
Excellency's role in Inuit-Crown, Nation-to-Nation, and
government-to-government relationships, and sees this appointment
as a catalyst to further welcome Indigenous perspectives into all
aspects of the Canadian Coast Guard's work. The role is symbolic of
the importance of building strong connections with the communities
the Canadian Coast Guard serves, as well as with domestic and
international partners.
The role of Honorary Chief Commissioner was created by past
Governor General of Canada, the
Right Honourable Jules Léger, to help raise awareness nationally
about the vital work of the Canadian Coast Guard in keeping
waterways and coastlines safe and accessible, and in protecting
marine environments for future generations.
Mario Pelletier, Commissioner,
Canadian Coast Guard, attended today's event on behalf of the
Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and
the Canadian Coast Guard. Joan Marie
Aylward, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, was also in attendance.
Quotes
"We are grateful that Her Excellency accepts the role of
Honorary Chief Commissioner and look forward to working on our
shared goal of creating awareness about the contributions that the
Canadian Coast Guard makes to the lives of mariners and coastal
communities."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"The work of the Canadian Coast Guard touches every coast and
region in our country, and the CCG strives to build awareness and
relationships in the communities it serves. In Her Excellency's
role to bring Canadians together, she is well-positioned to help
develop a greater national understanding of the services provided
by the Canadian Coast Guard to keep waterways safe and accessible,
and to protect marine environments."
Mario Pelletier, Commissioner,
Canadian Coast Guard
Quick Facts
- The Honorary Chief Commissioner's flag incorporates the crest
of the Royal Coat of Arms from the Governor General of Canada's personal standard and the dolphins
from the Canadian Coast Guard badge.
- Previous Honorary Chief Commissioner appointments have taken
place in St. John's, Newfoundland
and Labrador, including: the Right
Honourable Julie Payette (2018); the Right Honourable Michaëlle
Jean (2006); and the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson
(2002).
Associated Links
- Governor General of Canada
- Start Your Career with the Canadian Coast Guard
Stay Connected
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SOURCE Canadian Coast Guard