Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns raised the issue of coast guard stations on Vancouver Island in question period on Friday, asking for the government to halt the closure of the Comox Marine Communications Traffic Services Centre (MCTS) and immediately re-open the Tofino MCTS Centre in Ucluelet.
"The Conservative decision to close the Tofino MCTS centre in Ucluelet left people in coastal communities without protection," said Johns. "The recent loss of life following a whale watching accident has tragically underlined that local eyes and ears on the ground are essential for coastal safety."
The Liberals promised to restore the coast guard's ability to respond to marine emergencies but they have not yet made a definitive announcement about the two MCTS centres, leaving the communities in limbo, said Johns.
— NEWS Staff