Comox Coast Guard station employees issued closure date

The Canadian Coast Guard is moving ahead with plans to close a station in Comoxdespite an ongoing review of the decision.

Employees have been told the communications centre will be shut down on May 10.

The decision to close the Comox MarineCommunications and Traffic Services (MCTS) centre was made in 2012 by the thenConservative government, as part of itsplan to reorganize coast guard operations and run all West Coast marine communications out of MCTS centres in Prince Rupert and Sidney.

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But the Fisheries and Oceans Canada'sstanding committee in Ottawa is currently conducting a review of that decision and theNDP MP for the region,Rachel Blaney, continues to argue thatit doesn't make sense to close the base before the committee makes recommendations.

"I think they are just continuing the Conservative plan," she said of the now Liberal federal government.

"They are not really questioning whether this is the best model for British Columbians and Canadians."

In a statement to CBC News, the ministry says the modernization of the centres is a long-standing project that began in 2007 to improve services to mariners.

"The MCTScentres have been modernized using the latest communications technology replacing a system that was over 30-years-old," said the release.

"They monitor the same area of coverage, as the network of radio and radar towers across the country will not change."

Employees offered new jobs

Still, the union representing employees,Unifor Local 2182, says that ongoing audio quality issues at other MCTS centres are so serious that the safety of vessels and the coastline are at risk.

"It is grossly improper for the coast guard to act without the standing committee's recommendation," said Joie Warnock, Unifor'swestern director.

"The coast guard is acting without the input of Parliament and against the vigorous objection of front line communications officers who know the risks better than anyone else.

"The coast guard needs to put the brakes on and analyze the threat to marine safety. We aren't waiting to say 'we told you so' after a tragic accident."

The ministry says all employees at MCTS Comox received letters and were offered a job either in Victoria or Prince Rupert and the opportunity to continue with MCTS.