Debates of June 5, 2006 (day 5)

Topics
Statements

Member’s Statement On Recognition Of The Coast Guard During Water Safety Week

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, June 5th to the 11th is Water Safety Week in the NWT. I mention this because every year about 500 Canadians drown in water related fatalities. Each year, more than 100 children and youth in Canada drown and many more have close calls and injuries.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Water Safety Week, I just want to recognize the Canadian Coast Guard and the work that they do in Hay River and in the North. They put their lives at risk for us in order to ensure our safety when we are out on the water. In 1962, the Canadian Coast Guard selected Hay River and its abundance of good harbours and docking areas in the small delta as the main base for their operations which stretch from Saskatchewan and Lake Athabasca to the Arctic Coast. In the Northwest Territories, the Canadian Coast Guard has three major programs: rescue, safety and environmental response, ice breaking, and communications and traffic service.

Hay River is the principal transportation link for the movement by barge of bulk petroleum products and dry cargo to many communities, oil and gas exploration sites, and defence installations across the North. If the pipeline goes ahead as planned, Imperial Oil and its partners are planning to send dozens of barges loaded with fuel and supplies onto the Mackenzie River and this will increase the traffic on the river dramatically, Mr. Speaker.

We are fortunate to have an organization in the Territories keeping our waters navigable and keeping our waters safe. So many communities rely on the water of the Mackenzie River. Most of us, however, are just familiar with the Coast Guard’s search and rescue services, which include monitoring for mariners in distress and rescuing them and coordinating with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, a volunteer rescue program. Every time we’re out on the water or someone we know is out there, whether they’re barging, fishing or just boating, we can be grateful to know that the Canadian Coast Guard is never far away.

Mr. Speaker, I know that you will join me today in thanking the Canadian Coast Guard and the volunteer auxiliary service for their contribution to keeping northerners safe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause