Mr. Speaker, while the Canadian Coast Guard continues to review its program for the purpose of reducing its budget deficit, West Nova fishers are left pondering whether Yarmouth's emergency helicopter service will still be operational in the future.
With the fishery being the cornerstone of West Nova's economy, it is imperative that the emergency service be available in a time of crisis.
A defence department review concluded that Canada's search and rescue operations were seriously impacted by the government's cutbacks. In particular, the report made reference to the erosion of support services provided by other departments, including Fisheries and Oceans.
Further exasperating this situation is the government's cancellation of the EH-101 which forced Canadians to absorb $500 million in penalties, a huge sum of money that could better have been spent on search and rescue programs.
It is time that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans immediately commit to maintaining this essential service.