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The NDP MP for New Westminster–Coquitlam hasn't succeeded in his attempt to reverse Conservative cuts to marine safety, oil-spill response, and environmental-cleanup capacity off the B.C. coast.

That's because the Conservative majority in Parliament has defeated his motion to reopen the Kitsilano Coast Guard base and the Ucluelet Marine Communication and Traffic Service Centre. Donnelly's motion also called upon the government to halt plans to close the Vancouver and Comox marine communication and traffic service centres.

“The recent toxic bunker fuel spill in Vancouver’s harbour is an urgent reminder of the fragility of our coastal waters," Donnelly declared in a statement after his motion was defeated. "The NDP dedicated our first opposition day following the fuel spill to again urge the Conservatives to reverse their reckless cuts.

“Had the Kitsilano base still been operational, it could have responded to the spill in six minutes with the proper tools to prevent the oil from spreading," the NDP MP continued. "Instead, only a single, unequipped rubber boat was available."

He pointed out that the English Bay oil spill led to the closure of 16 beaches for health reasons.

Donnelly, the NDP's deputy fisheries and oceans critic, also stated that if his party forms the next government, it would reverse the Conservatives' decision to shut down the Kitsilano base and the Ucluelet Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre.

“The coastline is crucial to our economy, ecosystem and culture," Donnelly stated. "Canadians can trust Tom Mulcair’s NDP to fix the damage done by Stephen Harper’s Conservatives.”

The federal government closed the Kitsilano base in February 2013.

Mayor Gregor Robertson called the move "a sad day for Vancouver".