The Canadian Coast Guard, Central and Arctic Region, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sylvain Vézina as Regional Director, Programs. He is taking over from Sylvie Pelletier, who has held the position for the last four years.

Since the Quebec comedy La grande séduction was filmed here, Harrington Harbour has become well known for its breathtaking landscapes and famous wooden sidewalks. But there are many other things that set this village apart from other municipalities on the Lower North Shore.

In 2013, Fisheries and Oceans Canada implemented the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP) to provide financial support for habitat restoration projects for fish affected by recreational fisheries. This grant program is aimed at projects that are managed and carried out by local proponents in order to maintain the recreational fishery in Canada.

The residents of the St. Lawrence River's waterfront communities and workers in the maritime sector are usually quite familiar with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). However, this is not necessarily the case for the general population, nor for residents of the City of Quebec, which is home to the imposing Canadian Coast Guard base where numerous red and white vessels are docked. CCG came to this realization during a training conference for the Québec City Professional Tour Guides Association (AGTQ) on April 20, 2016.

On May 31, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. He takes over from Hunter Tootoo, who had been in the position since November 4, 2015, following his resignation.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is undertaking the implementation of the Coral and Sponge Conservation Strategy for Eastern Canada. To do this, a departmental working group was created to identify the important areas in need of protection and to propose management measures.

Once again this year, a team from the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) and the Canadian Coast Guard was on the scene at the Montréal Boat and Water Sports Show held in February 2016. Three hydrographers and one member of the Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) office were on site to share their navigation knowledge.

When a Canadian Coast Guard ship such as the CCGS Pierre Radisson heads for the Arctic, it is for a long time. Managing food consumption on this voyage is a logistical feat. There must be enough food to last throughout unforeseen events while limiting food waste and unnecessary costs.

This spring, nine new fishery officers are entering the field in eastern Quebec. You will surely see them surveying docks along with their colleagues. Recruited by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in November 2015, they spent the winter completing their training. They are now all set to protect the fisheries throughout the area.

Each year, the Canadian Coast Guard’s icebreakers make the journey to the Arctic for a few months. Working in this unique, remote region is often very challenging, particularly from a technological standpoint.