CCGS Edward Cornwallis in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Photo: Canadian Coast Guard
When Canadian Coast Guard ship (CCGS) Edward Cornwallis sets sail next it will do so under a new name.
Fisheries and Coast Guard Minister Bernedette Jordan made the announcement in a news release that she will work with local Mi’kmaq chiefs to come up with a new name that reflects their place in Canadian history.
Minister Jordan says doing so is an important step in making things right.
“Reconciliation is imperative to our country’s future, and advancing it is the responsibility of every individual and institution. By renaming the Cornwallis, we take another step in righting the wrongs of our country’s past. As we make way for a new name, one chosen in partnership with the Mi’kmaq people, we have a new opportunity to shine a light on a leader whose actions embody the values we hold today.”
The release named Chief Terry Paul (Membertou) and Daniel N. Paul (Saqmawiey) as the two Mi’kmaq leaders who would be working with Minister Jordan on finding an appropriate name.
Paul (Membertou) spoke about the symbolic importance of changes like this, “As we work together with Minister Jordan to address the long-standing negative history of figures of the past, today we are witnessing reconciliation in action. The Mi’kmaq have called this land home since time immemorial, however, the dark legacy of early settlers continues to serve as a painful reminder of the inequalities that still exist today. As we right the wrongs of the past, we build stronger relations for the future.”
When the news came in about the name change Paul (Saqmawiey) shared his thoughts, “When I was informed that CCGS Edward Cornwallis would be renamed it made my day. This is what reconciliation is all about, our society should be comfortable for all races to reside in, it is not possible when a historical wrong is left to fester and be an affront to the human dignity of another race, in this case, the Mi’kmaq. Hats off to the Honourable Bernadette Jordan for making this decision, she is a lady who saw a wrong and corrected it, Wela’lin, (thank you)!”
Currently, the ship is being worked on by Shelburne Ship Repair who was awarded a $12-million contract to extend the ships operating lifespan.
It is expected to set sail under a new name in early 2021 when the repairs are complete.
