Built in 1986 in British Columbia, the CCGS George R. Pearkes is a light icebreaker/large buoy tender. It operated in the Pacific and Quebec Regions before being transferred to the Newfoundland and Labrador Region in 2004. The vessel is named after Mr. George R. Pearkes, who served in both world wars and was a recipient of the Victoria Cross. Mr. Pearkes reached the rank of Major-General, was appointed Minister of National Defense, and later became Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.