History

Rescuing ships in difficulty or in distress is a long-established maritime tradition. It is even a requirement by law in most maritime nations around the world. In Canada, volunteer involvement in maritime search and rescue activities dates back to well before Confederation. But it was only in 1978 that an official, well-orchestrated network of volunteers was created to lend a hand to the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary now has more than 5,000 members across the country, including nearly 700 in Quebec. The Quebec region alone carries out annually between 500 and 600 interventions on its territory. 

A few milestones in their history: 

• 1793 The first rescue station appeared in Canada, on Sable Island, Nova Scotia. 

• 1872 The federal government begins to reward those who save lives. 

• 1936 Rescue services are transferred to the Ministry of Transport. 

• 1962 The Canadian Coast Guard is founded to provide search and rescue services, maintain sovereignty in the Arctic and keep pace with increasing maritime traffic. 

• 1971 The Canadian Coast Guard recruits its first volunteers to help with its search and rescue mission. 

• 1978 The Canadian Maritime Rescue Auxiliary Service is established; 

• In 1997, it became the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) with five major regions, including the Quebec region. 

• 2003 On its 25th anniversary, the CCGA has over 5,000 members. The CCGA (Q) has some 700 members and nearly 140 vessels. It conducts more than 400 interventions per year totaling 35,000 hours of volunteer work and representing hundreds of lives saved. 

• 2009 The CCGA (Q) undertakes a vast program across Quebec aimed at concluding agreements with the MRCs and bordering municipalities in order to cover nautical safety on their territory. 

• 2010 In March, the CCGA (Q) received the Mérite québécois de la sécurité civile from the Quebec Ministry of Public Security in recognition of its involvement in search and rescue activities as well as the work of its volunteers who, day and night, ensure boating safety and prevent loss of life and injury. 

• 2012 A new major update of our rules of governance both in terms of internal democracy and the principles of accountability to our members, our partners, and the public. 

• 2016 Expansion of its territory to include the northern region of Nunavik. Fourteen units will be created around the new Zone 6.

• 2021 Expansion of its territory to include the northern region of Baie James. Four units will be created around the new Zone 7.

• 2023 Enters its 45th anniversary, the CCGA has over 5,000 members. The CCGA (Q) has some 750 members and nearly 76 vessels. It conducts more than 400 interventions per year totaling over 35,000 hours of volunteer work and representing hundreds of lives saved.