VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Dec. 16, 2015) - The Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard reaffirmed the Government of Canada's commitment today to re-open the Coast Guard facility at Kitsilano.
The Minister was joined by British Columbia Premier Christy Clark, Mayor of Vancouver Gregor Robertson, and Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner Jody Thomas in front of the Coast Guard facility in Kitsilano, which was closed by the previous government in February 2013.
Re-opening Kitsilano was among the key commitments in the Minister's mandate letter. The Minister is in Vancouver this week to open conversations with the province, the city, First Nations and stakeholders on how the facility can best respond to the community's needs. Preliminary work to restore the station will begin shortly.
Minister Tootoo was happy to reaffirm his commitment to re-open Kitsilano as it underscores how important saving lives and protecting our waters are to Canadians and the government.
Quotes
"The Prime Minister made the commitment to re-open the Kitsilano Canadian Coast Guard Base and we are delivering on that commitment. I have directed my officials to begin restoration work as soon as possible. The Canadian Coast Guard plays a crucial role in saving lives and protecting our waters and soon Kitsilano will be able to support this important mandate."
The Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"For years, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base played a vital role in keeping Canada's busiest harbour safe for ports, boaters, and swimmers alike. Along with community, municipal, and First Nations leaders, the provincial government was extremely disappointed in the decision to close it. I'm grateful Canadian Coast Guard personnel will be back where they belong, keeping people safe."
Christy Clark, Premier of the Province of British Columbia
"The re-opening of the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base was one of Vancouver's top priorities for the new Government of Canada, and it is great news for our city and the safety of our local waters. Responding to over 300 calls each year with robust search and rescue services, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base was one of the most important public safety resources for Vancouver and our harbour, which ranks among the busiest in North America. The re-opening of this base demonstrates that the new federal government takes Vancouver's voices very seriously and is committed to enhancing safety on our coast."
Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver
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Contact Information:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
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