The volunteer Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue group says they are talking to Ottawa about the recent Coast Guard cuts.
However President Randy Strandt says at this point their message to Ottawa isn’t one of opposing the closure of Kits Base.
“We have had a few chats now with them although that is still fairly preliminary with us more so as finding information as to what this means and more discussions are coming witht hen but really that has been our focus to this point you know what is this going to mean, how do you cover this off, what is your plan.”
Strandt says the RCMSAR is also working to try and heal a rift with their Coast Guard cousins.
He says since the Feds have made the cuts his group has been caught in the middle.
“It is unfortunate we would rather not be any involvement in it, or any part in it, so we have had communciations with union people today to try and make sure that rift isn’t occuring or growing and really we are pretty adamant we do not want anything to sperate us with those rescuers.”
Strandt says if the troubled waters aren’t smoothed over then he has concerns the harmony between the search and rescue groups might be threatened.
“Yeah absolutely and I actually said something pretty similar today I think that is our worry as well if that isn’t in place I would be concerned that there would loves in danger if that harmony isn’t there those agencies have to work together including our own of course and be a team that is key for us and we are hoping to maintain that.”
Ottawa has said they will rely more on the volunteer group for marine emergencies after Kits base is closed next year.
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