August 2011

On June 7, 2011, the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) was advised of Minister Ashfield’s announcement to close two Marine Rescue Sub Centres (MRSCs)– one in St. John’s, NL and the other in Quebec City, Quebec – as part of the $56.8 million deficit reduction.  UCTE’s concern is for the negative impact the closures of these two critical sites on the communities they serve as well as on our members.

The Canadian Coast Guard/Department of Fisheries and Oceans (CCG/DFO) is proposing that the services provided by these two MRSCs can be done, partially thanks to technology, from sites in Halifax, NS or Trenton, ON.  Although both MRSCs work closely with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centres (JRCCs) they still provide services unique to their respective communities.

Based on the attached facts sheet, UCTE challenges the notion that it would be feasible to provide search and rescue (SAR) services from either Halifax or Trenton due to the uniqueness of both Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador.

Since that time, UCTE’s National Executive has been hard at work.  By lobbying government, speaking at rallys, conducting interviews with different media, and working with various stakeholders, UCTE is asking government to reverse its decision to close these two MRSCs. 

How you can help?

We must continue to apply pressure on government in order to make them reconsider their decision.  Attached to this document is a petition that we would need to have presented in parliament.  We ask that you, your family and friends, and colleagues sign the petition demanding that the government revisit its decision to close the MRSCs.  Please return the petition to the UCTE National Office

We need to let government know that there is no price tag on the safety of Canadians.