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Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
December 19, 2013

Closure of Marine Rescue Sub-Centre
Detrimental to Public Safety

The Provincial Government Renews its Call for the Reopening of the MRSC in St. John’s

Following confirmation of the Federal Government’s decision to rescind the closure of the Marine Rescue Sub-centre (MRSC) in Quebec, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is renewing its call that the centre in St. John’s be re-opened as well. The MRSC was an integral component of the overall marine search and rescue capacity within this province.

“Our government has been steadfast in our assertion that the Marine Rescue Sub-centre in St. John’s should be re-opened immediately. The MRSC was a very important aspect of marine search and rescue response capability in Newfoundland and Labrador. We have said from the beginning that the decision to close it was detrimental to the safety of residents. Now that we have confirmed that the MRSC in Quebec is staying open, I will once again reaffirm our government’s position on this critical matter.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

The MRSC in St. John’s closed in May 2012. The rationale for reversing the decision and re-opening the MRSC remains the same today – the safety and security of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at sea depends on it.

“Consistency is a tremendously important aspect of service delivery for those that may require marine search and rescue services. Our government’s priority has been advancing the interests of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and nothing is more important than safety in this province. I strongly encourage the Federal Government to reconsider the implications of its decision − in terms of public safety and the well-being of the people of our province − and I strongly encourage it to re-open the MRSC in St. John’s immediately. I have clearly articulated this point of view in another letter today to the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.”
- Minister Kent

A copy of the most recent letter to Minister Gail Shea is available at www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2013/ma/1219n05_letter.pdf 

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

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Media contact:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
709-729-1983, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca 

2013 12 19             2:10 p.m.

 

 

 

 

NLIS 3
Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
Environment and Conservation
January 2, 2014

Improving Infrastructure for Communities and Families

Provincial Government Continues to Invest in Clean and Safe Drinking Water

Delivering clean and safe drinking water to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to be a top priority of the Provincial Government. Drinking water projects valued at $8.9 million are currently underway, including work on new facilities and the upgrading of water treatment infrastructure, distribution systems and feasibility studies.

“Clean and safe drinking water is a very important area of investment for the Provincial Government, and we work with communities every day to build sustainable water systems for our residents. This commitment is evident through an $8.9 million investment made in water systems last year which demonstrates that we are working closely with our communities on these priority projects and will continue to do so in the coming years.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

A number of key drinking water projects were announced this year across the province:
• $1,000,000 for new water mains in Bonavista;
• $370,000 for a potable water dispensing unit in Wabana;
• $370,000 for a potable water dispensing unit in Pacquet; and,
• $243,000 for drinking water projects in Hawke’s Bay, Port au Choix and Port Saunders

“Our departments work collaboratively to ensure drinking water in the province is safe and clean. It is the mandate of the Department of Environment and Conservation to protect, enhance, conserve, develop, control and effectively utilize the water resources for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Environment and Conservation

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS
• The Provincial Government places a strong emphasis on funding clean and safe drinking water projects.
• Drinking water projects valued at $8.9 million are currently underway, including work on new facilities and the upgrading of water treatment infrastructure, distribution systems and feasibility studies.
• Since 2008, the Provincial Government has invested $650 million in more than 1,200 water, wastewater, recreational and municipal infrastructure projects.

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Media contacts:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
709-729-1983, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca
Deborah Thomas
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 728-8092
deborahthomas@gov.nl.ca

2014 01 02             2:45 p.m.

 

 
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