To promote a stronger working relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces, Premier Christy Clark named Deputy Premier Rich Coleman B.C.’s military liaison today.

“Our government values the contributions of the Canadian Armed Forces in our province - from protecting our coastline to keeping our mountain passes open during times of emergency,” said Premier Christy Clark. “By establishing a military liaison, we are making sure those services are better integrated to serve the people of British Columbia.”

In his role as liaison Deputy Premier, Coleman will interface with the military within British Columbia. He will work to improve the lines of communication, strengthen joint emergency response and the co-ordination of resources.

“I’m honoured to take on this new provincial liaison role,” said Coleman. “Military personnel provide an important service in B.C. and I look forward to working together to improve the safety and protection of British Columbians.”

The Canadian Armed Forces employ more than 12,000 military and civilian personnel in B.C. There are eight major military bases in the province, including the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) in Esquimalt, as well as 12 militia units throughout B.C.

“On behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces, I congratulate and thank the Premier and the Government of B.C. for appointing a Military Liaison,” said Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific. “British Columbia has a long and proud military history. I look forward to working closely with Minister Coleman to build upon the support and services available within B.C. for our military members - regular and reserve, veterans, cadets and military families.”

The Canadian Armed Forces ensures the security and defence of B.C. in numerous ways including: naval operations in the Pacific Ocean, Search and Rescue operations throughout the province, working with Emergency Management BC on emergency planning, and avalanche control operations in Rogers Pass.

Quick Facts:

• Five other provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia) have provincial envoys to the Canadian Armed Forces.
• Each year the Canadian Armed Forces spend $1.24 billion in British Columbia in payroll, supplies, services and construction.
• CFB Esquimalt is home to the headquarters for Maritime Forces Pacific, Joint Task Force Pacific, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, and the 22 ships that comprise the Pacific Naval Fleet.
• 39 Canadian Brigade Group is the Canadian Army representative in British Columbia and is a reserve brigade formation within 3rd Canadian Division (Western Canada). There are approximately 1,508 full and part-time
• Army reserve soldiers serving within 39 Canadian Brigade Group.

Learn More:

Marine Forces Pacific: www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structure-marpac-home.page

Photos of Canadian Armed Forces: www.facebook.com/Maritime.Forces.Pacific

Media Contacts:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617

Paul Pendergast
Navy Public Affairs
Marine Forces Pacific
250 363-5789