BC’s highest ranking Conservative MP and Federal Heritage Minister is standing firm on Coast Guard cuts despite widespread criticism.
James Moore says the cuts must be taken into context.
“If you just say the Kits Coast Guard station is being closed will there be an impact on services the answer would be yes but if you put it into context of everything that our government has done since 2010. Including the coming online of a hovercraft, three new Coast Guard vessels, and all the improvements that we have already announced we have been assured by the Coast Guard, by DND, and by DFO that the level of public safety will not be jeopardized.”
Moore says the closing of Kits base isn’t about saving money its about affectively aligning services.
He says despite criticism about the move from front line staff, retired coast guard, and mariners, they will be consulted.
“As I said over the coming months through until 2013 when these are implimented we will have plenty of opportunity to chat with folks to make that they are reassured that these decisions won’t impact their safety.”
when asked if it was patronizing to sit down and listen to people when the decision has already been made Moore replied..
“I think thats…I think that is quite an overstatment thats not true but again assets can be reallocated and relocated and we can assure that things are done in a better way.”
Asked, by Jill Bennett on The World Today, what the feds have in store for the Kits base building..
“I don’t know what the plan is for the actual physical station itself is, No I am not sure of that.”
Bennett asks “So even though the plan is to shut it down there isno plan in place for what is going to happen to the physical building?”
“There may well be but I don’t know what DFO has in mind with the actual building itself.”
Moore is defending the cuts despite widespread criticism from retired coast guard, mariners, and front line staff, who say lives are at risk due to the cuts.
He says there will be no risk to safety and his government has invested in marine safety along the BC coast since 20-10.
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