Lighthouse keepers have moved off the two stations at Carmanah Point and Pachena Point as of October 25. Our campaign to stop the de-staffing of these two stations now must shift gears.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) moved ahead to implement their decision despite ongoing discussion with the union. This is life-changing for our affected members. The stations are now de-staffed, increasing risks to our coastal safety, security, and sovereignty. We will continue the campaign with the goals of restoring their positions and preventing further de-staffing of lighthouses.

Working with Allies

Almost five hundred supporters signed our letter to Minister Lebouthillier urging her to review the decision. UCTE requested a meeting with the Minister on August 2, and for a second time on October 30. The Minister has yet to respond to UCTE.

UCTE National President Teresa Eschuk and RVP Pacific Barry Tchir have had meetings with the Commissioner for the Canadian Coast Guard and the Deputy Commissioner. We raised concerns about CCG’s interpretation of the site reports. The Commissioner committed to review the reports, but not to change or challenge the de-staffing decision.

We met November 5 with MP Lisa-Marie Barron for Nanaimo-Ladysmith. This was a very productive conversation, and she will continue to raise the issue in the House of Commons, having already done so.

MP for Courtenay-Alberni Gord Johns sponsored an e-Petition. He presented the petition with 1239 signatures in the House of Commons October 29. The Government has until December 13 to officially respond.

We also briefed MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley Taylor Bachrach, who has written to the Minister on this issue. He committed to raise the issue at the BC Caucus of NDP MPs

Latest Media

Victoria Times-Colonist, November 5, 2024: Lightkeepers moved off two west coast Island stations – Victoria Times Colonist

CHEK News, October 25, 2024: “Tough day”: Two island lighthouses close after seismic report

Continued Action

We will work to have the Coast Guard consult with the union, toward the goal of restaffing these two stations. We have brought the issue up at union-management consultation.

We are asking the employer to prioritize mitigating any instability of the sites. We will have to keep the pressure on now that there are not staff present at the sites to do so. Underfunding and neglect of heritage sites will not be acceptable.

We will work to resist any efforts to de-staff other light stations.

We will demand that CCG respect the recommendations of a 2011 Senate committee report that recommends a full and thorough review and consultations, and “Until this is completed, current lightkeeper staff levels should be maintained in the Pacific Region and in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region.”

We will be in touch with more news and further calls to action. Thanks for your support so far.