Supporters of the Kitsilano Coast Guard base are hoping to attract the attention of the Prime Minister while he’s in Metro Vancouver.
Mike Cotter is the general manger of the Jericho Sailing centre.
“I want to tell him that Vancouver’s marine, transportation, industrial and recreational communities, along with all of our other elected officials will remain strongly united in opposing the closing of the Kitsilano Coast Guard station. It’s a dangerous decision and our local Conservative MPs have isolated themselves by abandoning ship on the people the represent.”
Cotter adds he’ll spend the weekend at the Vancouver International Boat Show, handing out ‘form letters’ people can mail to the Prime Minster’s Office.
The Kits base is set to close in the near future as part of federal budget cuts.
During his appearance this morning in Burnaby, Prime Minister Stephen Harper quickly quashed any hope his government will reverse the decision.
“The government is allocating its resources in a way we believe, based on the advice we have received from the Coast Guard is best in terms of public safety and that is to put as many of the resources we can into actually having rescue boats in the water.”
Harper’s comments were made with Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu looking on.
He’s made it clear he’s opposed to the closure, because it could mean more work for his officers.
About The Reporter
