Dear editor,
I'm asking MPs John Duncan and Gail Shea for information about the cutbacks in MCTS (Canadian Coast Guard's Marine Communications and Traffic Services) announced a couple of years ago.
At the time of the announcements we were told that due to technological upgrades there were fewer centres and fewer employees required to run the service.
There has been next to no information made public on the progress made so far.
As a longtime community volunteer with Scouts Canada I lead youth on outdoor adventures on and near the ocean regularly. Part of what I do requires me to know how to access assistance in the event of an emergency.
Having fewer resources to call upon when needed is certainly not putting my mind at ease.
When I prepare to take other people's children on an outing, what can I tell the parents about the risks?
As we are nearing the end of the time period announced to put these changes into operation, I'd like to find out what's happening.
Ed Tickner,
Comox