You may not know that 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Canadian Coast Guard:

• Since those early days of lifeboats and Arctic voyages, the organization now includes a workforce of roughly 4,500 dedicated employees and a fleet of 116 vessels and 22 helicopters.

• Whether it is to support Canada’s fishing industry, maritime transportation, shipping, or the country’s millions of recreational boaters, our brave men and women are always there, ready to serve.

Since 2005, the Conservative Government has provided close to $1.4 billion for the Coast Guard fleet, including new “Hero Class” mid-shore patrol vessels.

Also, the Canadian Coast Guard will be acquiring three new offshore fisheries science vessels, one new oceanographic science vessel and a new polar icebreaker – CCGS John G. Diefenbaker.

So congratulations to the Coast Guard, Happy 50th.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt. You can reach my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133. Feel free to drop by my two offices for a visit: Saskatoon (Monday to Friday) or Humboldt (Tuesday and Wednesday). I always appreciate your feedback.