Sub-centre closing, decision final, says Penashue

Federal cabinet minister and Labrador MP Peter Penashue says there is no hope the marine rescue sub-centre in St. John's will stay open.

"I don't see any changes taking place on the sub-centre here in St. John's," Penashue told CBC News.

"That decision is final. That's been made, so we're moving forward."

In an effort to cut costs, the federal government announced the closing of the sub-centre in 2011.

Ottawa said the closure would save taxpayers $1 million.

The centre coordinates — and contributes local knowledge to — maritime search and rescue operations.

That work will be handled primarily in Halifax after the St. John’s facility closes later in April.