Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans wants us to believe that the closure of maritime search and rescue centres in St. John's and Quebec City will not affect lifesaving services.
However, yesterday, Winston Pitcher, the head of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary in Newfoundland and Labrador, told the Prime Minister that these closures could delay rescues and put public safety at risk.
Where are the government's priorities? It makes massive increases to its own offices while cutting lifesaving rescue centres.
When will the minister admit a mistake has been made and start listening to search and rescue experts?