North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney wants to improve marine safety by getting the government to fix all of the weather stations in the North Island region.
A number of local businesses whose work is affected by weather stations have started a petition to try and push the transportation and environment ministers to do something about the station malfunctions. Blaney held a roundtable meeting with business owners following a fatal plane crash near Port Hardy in November. A release from Blaney says that six weather stations were not functioning that day.
鈥淲eather updates from such stations provide critical information for people travelling in float planes and boats, which affects their ability to travel safely within the region,鈥� the release says. 鈥淭ravellers in rural and remote regions require timely and accurate information so they can avoid extremely dangerous situations resulting from unexpected weather systems.鈥�
The petition would highlight the need to have functioning weather stations throughout the region. It would also push for more stations to be added in the future.
鈥淭he current station malfunctions and lengthy repair times have left the North Island plagued with deadly travel situations as the weather reporting is grossly unreliable at the best of times, especially for an area with such unpredictable weather patterns,鈥� said Therisa Lowe, of Sealand Aviation in Campbell River. 鈥淎 solid maintenance and repair plan for current weather stations along with the installation of additional weather stations would be an investment that would save many lives in the future and bring the North Island up to date with the technology. Steps must be taken to ensure the safety and lives of travellers on the North Island, residents, workers and tourists who deserve safe passage.鈥�
鈥淢any people in the riding have either been directly affected by or know someone who relies on operational weather stations to keep them safe as they move through the region,鈥� The NDP release says, adding that 鈥渋t is unacceptable that such essential equipment is allowed to go without proper repair or maintenance for months and even years, putting people鈥檚 lives at increased risk.鈥�
鈥淭he government needs to know that this situation is dangerous,鈥� said Vince Crooks, of Wilderness Seaplanes in Port Hardy. 鈥淲e are hoping folks will sign the petition to show their support of our local businesses that rely on the weather stations, but also to send an important message to the feds that Canadians deserve safe travel throughout this region. No one should lose a loved one because of poorly maintained weather stations.鈥�
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marc.kitteringham@campbellrivermirror.com
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