Statement by Jack Harris on rejection of motion on search and rescue facilities

We are very disappointed that the Conservatives refused to support our motion calling on them to reverse their decision to close the St. John’s and Quebec search and rescue coordination centres and the Kitsilano Coast Guard base in Vancouver.

Conservatives chose to put the lives of mariners and fishers in danger by cutting in half the number of rescue coordinators on duty and eliminating the Quebec and St. John's Centres.

Knowledge of the people, marine environment and geographic details in the area of operation is vital for search and rescue. The ability to communicate in the language of the community being serviced is also crucial. This is why these centres were established.

The Quebec centre is the only one that offers bilingual services. The Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, has expressed deep concerns on this matter.

In Vancouver the full time Kitsilanlo Coast Guard Station is being closed in favour of reliance on volunteers and a partial year service.

The Conservatives’ reckless cuts decrease the available resources for search and rescue in our maritime areas and are a backward step that puts lives at risk.

The NDP will continue to fight these decisions.