The federal government is responsible for the safety of Canadians on our coasts. It comes as no surprise that a recent poll in Vancouver Island North shows that 79 per cent of Minister Duncan’s constituents oppose the closure of Marine Communications and Traffic Services centres in Comox, Tofino and Vancouver, and the closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station.
Canada’s New Democrats have been consistent in calling on the Conservative government to reverse these reckless cuts, which occurred without any public consultation.
B.C. coastal communities are experiencing population growth, an influx of tourism, and increased economic activity – including, if the Conservatives have their way – increased oil tanker traffic. Now is not the time to reduce emergency response services.
British Columbians are rightly standing up to the federal government’s short-sighted coast guard cuts. By refusing to listen to the public’s overwhelming opposition, this government is showing once again that they are out of touch with the priorities of coastal communities.
As the NDP Deputy Fisheries and Oceans Critic (West Coast), I call on Minister Duncan to stop repeating the Prime Minister’s talking points and to stand up for the interests of his constituents.
Fin Donnelly
Member of Parliament
(New Westminster-Coquitlam & Port Moody)
NDP Deputy Fisheries and Oceans Critic (West Coast)