Mr. Speaker, let me begin by extending birthday greetings to my colleague across the way.
I want to assure him as well that the number one priority of the Coast Guard is the safety of mariners. The Canadian Coast Guard determined that search and rescue services can be delivered more efficiently in the Vancouver area without increased risk to sailors, fishermen and pleasure boaters, while also achieving significant cost savings.
Since the closure of the Kitsilano lifeboat station on February 19, the Canadian Coast Guard Sea Island base, the inshore rescue boat and HMCS Discovery have responded to 107 search and rescue and marine distress incidents involving 165 lives at risk in the greater Vancouver area and have done so with a very good record.
The network of search and rescue responders in the Vancouver area is functioning well. This reflects the careful consideration and planning that led to the decision to consolidate the Kitsilano lifeboat station.