September 16, 2026 – Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has officially welcomed another modern, Canadian-built Search and Rescue Lifeboat into its fleet, strengthening its ability to respond quickly to mariners in distress and keep Canadians safe on the water.
Today, Philip Earle, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, was in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, for the dedication of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Groswater Bay. This dedication marks another important milestone in the construction and delivery of 20 new Bay Class Search and Rescue Lifeboats for the CCG fleet.
The CCGS Groswater Bay is a high-endurance Search and Rescue Lifeboat built by Hike Metal Products Ltd. in Wheatley, Ontario. This vessel was delivered and accepted by the CCG in August 2024. The CCGS Groswater Bay will be stationed in Lark Harbour on the west coast of Newfoundland. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government of Canada is renewing the Coast Guard’s fleet while creating and sustaining jobs in Canada’s shipbuilding industry and marine sector.
Quotes
“Every vessel we bring into service makes Canada’s maritime response stronger and our waters safer. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Groswater Bay will help our crews protect mariners off Newfoundland’s coast for years to come and reflects our commitment to a modern coast guard fleet, built here in Canada.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are creating good Canadian jobs, strengthening our shipbuilding industry, and delivering the vessels our Coast Guard needs. Built in Ontario and ready to serve Newfoundland and Labrador, the CCGS Groswater Bay is a strong example of Canadian expertise and of our commitment to building a stronger, more sovereign Canada.”
The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant
“For the people of Labrador, the sea is part of who we are it shapes our communities and our way of life. Dedicating the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Groswater Bay is deeply meaningful as this search and rescue lifeboat will stand as a vital safeguard for those who travel, work, and live along our coast, strengthening safety in the waters our families rely on every day.”
Philip Earle, Member of Parliament for Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador
“Today, as we dedicate the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Groswater Bay into service, we celebrate a commitment to service, safety, and community. The addition of this vessel holds special significance for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, whose lives and livelihoods are closely tied to the ocean.”
Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard
Quick facts
The vessel’s sponsor, Chief Jenny Brake of Qalipu First Nation, had the honour of officially bestowing the CCGS Groswater Bay with its name, marking the beginning of its service and enduring legacy. Before breaking the ceremonial bottle on the bow, Chief Brake wished “fair winds and good fortune” to all who will sail on the vessel.
In 2018, Chantier Naval Forillon Inc of Gaspé, Quebec, and Hike Metal Products Ltd. of Wheatley, Ontario, were awarded the construction of four new Bay Class Search and Rescue Lifeboats each, in addition to the existing contract awarded in 2015 to build six Bay Class Search and Rescue Lifeboats each. The total value of the contracts for these 20 lifeboats was approximately $180 million.
The CCG’s new Search and Rescue Lifeboats are specifically designed, equipped, and crewed to respond to incidents at sea. These vessels are self-righting and can operate up to 120 nautical miles from shore, always maintaining a maximum 30-minute state-of-readiness with a typical ability to respond the moment an alert is received.
The CCG’s high-endurance Search and Rescue Lifeboats are referred to as “Bay Class” vessels, as each one is named after a Canadian bay under the Vessel Naming Policy.
The CCG keeps waterways safe for mariners, protects the marine environment, and responds to approximately 6,000 calls for marine assistance each year.
To date, 30 small vessels have been delivered to the CCG under the NSS. This includes 20 Search and Rescue Lifeboats, two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels, seven Hydrographic Survey Vessels and one Coastal Research Vessel.
The Government of Canada’s NSS is a long-term, multi-billion-dollar program focused on renewing the CCG and Royal Canadian Navy fleets. The Strategy is delivering the modern ships Canada’s marine agencies need to fulfill their missions while revitalizing Canada’s marine industry, creating good middle-class jobs, and maximizing economic benefits across the country.