Support the UCTE in protecting public safety, security, and sovereignty on our coasts. Minister Lebouthillier and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans must review their decision to destaff two lighthouses on the west coast of Vancouver Island, at Carmanah Point and Pachena Point.
Our members at these stations play a multifaceted role in public safety. Mariners, fishers, harvesters, pilots, and West Coast Trail hikers know that they do a lot more than keeping lights on. The proposed automation hardly fills a fraction of this role.
There’s no need for haste. It’s time to actually visit and inspect the locations, consult all the stakeholders, and find solutions multilaterally.
Our members’ safety is our top priority. Bring them and their representatives into the process, instead of making remote decisions based on faulty paper reports.
Take Action!
Resources and media
CTV, August 14, 2024 Vancouver Island news: Calls to keep manning 2 lighthouses | CTV News
North Shore News, August 31, 2024 Island NDP MP Gord Johns sees strong support for keeping lightstations open
Victoria Times-Colonist, August 28, 2024 – Lightkeepers should stay, says Alberni-Clayoquot district
Times-Colonist, August 11, 2024 Coast guard rapped for failing to consult before destaffing west coast light stations
CHEK News, August 2, 2024 Workers’ union, former lightkeepers concerned with Coast Guard decision to destaff B.C. lighthouses
Canadian Press, July 31, 2024 Coast Guard to end staffing at two Vancouver Island lighthouses, following safety concerns
UCTE media release August 6, 2024