The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau has announced that Transport Canada has acquired a new addition to its National Aerial Surveillance Program’s aircraft fleet. Through the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan and the Whales Initiative, a De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft was acquired to increase the capacity of the program. This Program’s marine surveillance missions include detecting oil spills and other marine pollution, and monitoring ship and endangered whale movements. Over the next two years, the Dash 8 will undergo modifications to become a maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft will be equipped with specialized maritime surveillance systems that are currently used on Transport Canada’s existing fleet. Transport Canada is also building a new National Aerial Surveillance Program Complex in Iqaluit, Nunavut, to support northern operations.
