Comox Coast Guard station employees issued closure date
Station to close on May 10, 2016 despite ongoing parliamentary study
The Canadian Coast Guard is moving ahead with plans to close a station in Comox despite an ongoing review of the decision.
Employees have been told the communications centre will be shut down on May 10.
The decision to close the Comox Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) centre was made in 2012 by the then Conservative government, as part of its plan to reorganize coast guard operations and run all West Coast marine communications out of MCTS centres in Prince Rupert and Sidney.
- Vancouver Island MP trying to stop Comox Coast Guard station's closure
- 3 Canadian Coast Guard communication centres closing in B.C.
- Coast Guard insists marine safety will 'improve' under new MCTS system
- Critics call for reversal of Vancouver Island coast guard closures
But the Fisheries and Oceans Canada's standing committee in Ottawa is currently conducting a review of that decision and the NDP MP for the region, Rachel Blaney, continues to argue that it doesn't make sense to close the base before the committee makes recommendations.
NDP MP Rachel Blaney visiting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Comox?src=hash">#Comox</a> Coast Guard Communications base in fight to keep it open. Details <a href="https://twitter.com/CHEK_News">@CHEK_News</a> <a href="https://t.co/VBvQU5car3">pic.twitter.com/VBvQU5car3</a>
—@deanstoltzchek"I think they are just continuing the Conservative plan," she said of the now Liberal federal government.
"They are not really questioning whether this is the best model for British Columbians and Canadians."
In a statement to CBC News, the ministry says the modernization of the centres is a long-standing project that began in 2007 to improve services to mariners.
"The MCTS centres have been modernized using the latest communications technology replacing a system that was over 30-years-old," said the release.
"They monitor the same area of coverage, as the network of radio and radar towers across the country will not change."
Employees offered new jobs
Still, the union representing employees, Unifor Local 2182, says that ongoing audio quality issues at other MCTS centres are so serious that the safety of vessels and the coastline are at risk.
"It is grossly improper for the coast guard to act without the standing committee's recommendation," said Joie Warnock, Unifor's western director.
"The coast guard is acting without the input of Parliament and against the vigorous objection of front line communications officers who know the risks better than anyone else.
"The coast guard needs to put the brakes on and analyze the threat to marine safety. We aren't waiting to say 'we told you so' after a tragic accident."
The ministry says all employees at MCTS Comox received letters and were offered a job either in Victoria or Prince Rupert and the opportunity to continue with MCTS.