August 7, 2012

Ottawa, ON – Once again, the importance of keeping the Kitsilano Search and Rescue (SAR) Base open was demonstrated over the weekend.  The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) SAR specialists were the first to respond to an incident this past Saturday when a cruise ship carrying 250 passengers slammed into two other boats during the Festival of Lights fireworks show in English Bay, Vancouver. 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ms Josephine Anne "Joanne" Wing, mother of former UCTE National President, Brother Mike Wing on Thursday August 2, 2012.  Visitation will be held at McEvoy-Shield Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club, on Tuesday August 7th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 19 p.m.  A funeral service will be held on Wenesday August 8th at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine's Parish, 1060 Baseline Rd., Ottawa.

In June 2012, PSAC/UCTE Local X3040, other bargaining agents, non-unionized employees and pensioners from the Northern Transportation Company Limited (NTCL), passed an agreement for pension solvency funding relief.

This agreement will be forwarded to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) and the Federal Minister of Finance for final approval. It is scheduled to take effect on July 30, 2012.

June 27, 2012

Today Transport Canada advised another 157 people that they may lose their jobs bringing the grand total to 370 employees affected.  Of these positions affected today, 107 will be eliminated.  Included in this number is the elimination of communication specialists and various administrative functions and, most notably, all regional Health and Safety Advisors who were recently hired to help bring the department into compliance with federal Health and Safety legislation.

June 27, 2012

VANCOUVER - The union representing Kitsilano Coast Guard Station workers says Department of Fisheries and Oceans Minister Keith Ashfield is showing contempt for British Columbia by not listening to all advice telling him not to close the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station.