Province Continues Call for Federal Government to Change Search and Rescue Protocols

The Provincial Government continues to urge the Government of Canada to further review its protocols respecting response to ground search and rescue in the province.

Last week, the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, released correspondence between the Provincial Government and the federal Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay, and a timeline regarding ground search and rescue (GSAR) efforts in the search for Burton Winters in Makkovik. This package included a request from the Provincial Government to the federal minister to change search and rescue protocols with respect to situations such as the incident in Makkovik, citing that changing weather, or the time needed to mobilize a second crew, should not prevail over a life at risk in a ground search where the province has exhausted its immediate options.

“While the Federal Government does not have a dedicated responsibility to respond to ground search and rescue, they absolutely have a humanitarian responsibility and a long-standing practice of providing support,” said Premier Dunderdale. “If there is a request to provide assistance on humanitarian grounds, there is a responsibility to provide it when called upon unless those assets are otherwise deployed. I believe our federal counterparts need to change their current practices.”

Premier Dunderdale noted that following the tragic death of Burton Winters, Minister MacKay personally committed to provide any necessary information requested by the Provincial Government. A package of information has been compiled using records from the Provincial Government, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the Department of National Defence (DND) through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Halifax. This information is available to the public.

“Both the Provincial Government and the RCMP have reviewed the actions of those involved in the ground search and have concluded that the established procedures were appropriately followed,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “It is our belief that the Department of National Defence protocols need to be further examined respecting humanitarian assistance, the state of readiness of the DND assets in our province, and the practice of not providing assistance if civilian assets are already engaged in search efforts.”

Premier Dunderdale reiterated that while the Provincial Government does believe a poor judgment call was made by JRCC, that does not on its own warrant an inquiry.

“The information compiled and the facts recounted already demonstrate what transpired and the reasons for operational decisions made at that time," said the Premier. "This information is in the public domain. An inquiry would serve no further purpose at this time. I encourage Minister McKay to carefully consider our request for a change in protocols related to requests for federal support for ground search and rescue in Newfoundland and Labrador."

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2012 05 30             5:05 p.m.