Trudeau's mandate letter to DFO states that the Kits Coast Guard station is to be re-opened

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Trying to make good on his election promise, Prime Minister Trudeau has ordered that Vancouver’s Kits Coast Guard station be re-opened.

He had promised this would happen during the election, but this move makes it more official. It’s not clear when we could see the base back in action.

The order has come in the form of a mandate letter to the minister of fisheries and oceans.

In the letter, Trudeau says, “Canadians expect us to fulfill our commitments, and it is my expectation that you will do your part in delivering on those promises to Canadians.”

He’s also asking that the Rescue Sub-centre in St. John’s re-open.

In a controversial move, the Tories shut down the Kits Coast Guard base in 2013.

Trudeau is also moving forward with Liberal campaign promise to ban oil tanker traffic on BC’s north coast.

Formalizing a 2010 tanker moratorium would put the Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound off limits to tanker traffic as part of the government’s goal to protect ecologically sensitive areas.

The moratorium is also expected to effectively kill any pipeline project through the area, including the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline.

NDP MP Fin Donnelly says the party welcomes the prime minister’s directive for the Kits Coast Guard base, but points out it’s unclear when exactly the base could re-open. “Every day the station remains closed, response times are delayed. We can’t delay any further.”

The BC Federation of Labour is pleased with this news.

“I certainly hope this commitment is fast-tracked so public and marine safety is once again made a priority,” says President Irene Lanzinger. “We need to also keep pushing to stop other closures, including the Comox Coast Guard Communication base.”

In a statement, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says the this is great news for Vancouver, adding it’s “encouraging” to see Trudeau acting upon his commitment.

“Today’s direction by the Prime Minister of Canada to re-open the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base in Vancouver is great news for our city, and the safety of our harbour and local waters. I spoke with the Prime Minister two weeks ago about how this decision was one of the City of Vancouver’s top priorities for the new federal government, and it is very encouraging to see this commitment being enacted.

“Responding to over 300 calls each year with robust search and rescue services, the Kitsilano Coast Guard Base had been one of the most important public safety resources for Vancouver and our harbour, which ranks among the busiest in North America. A broad consensus of marine safety experts had consistently expressed grave concerns about the dangers posed by its closure. This direction by the Prime Minister shows that the new federal government takes Vancouver’s voices very seriously and is committed to enhancing safety in our local waters.”