Premier Reiterates Urgent Need for Action From the Federal Government Regarding Search and Rescue Concerns

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is again urging the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the serious concerns raised by the Federal Auditor General in a recent report.

“We need to see a detailed action plan from the Federal Government that outlines a specific timeframe to address many of the serious issues raised in the AG report,” said Premier Dunderdale. “While a federal announcement on search and rescue appears to be forthcoming, we need acknowledgment from the Federal Government that they realize the urgency of addressing the state of readiness of the air and marine search and rescue resources on which we rely. We need to ensure that resources are provided right away so that this critical service is available when our people need it. The time for reviewing this matter is over. We need immediate action from the Federal Government.”

The Premier again reiterated the need for the Federal Government to, without delay, change the hours of operation for Search and Rescue to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador has access to a reliable system.

“These are concerns of tremendous significance to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “Yesterday, I sent a letter to Federal Defence Minister Peter MacKay detailing the Provincial Government’s concerns and requesting an immediate meeting.”

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2013 05 02             12:55 p.m.