— for immediate release —
The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) representing lighthouse keepers at two key lighthouses along British Columbia’s coastline is urging the Federal Minister responsible for the Department of Fisheries
(DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) to reverse her decision to eliminate lightkeeping duties at Carmanah Point and Pachena Point.
UCTE Vice-President for the Pacific Region, Barry Tchir, warns: “The reports prepared for the Coast Guard are seriously flawed. This decision will increase the risks to seafarers, Indigenous fishers, tourists and hikers.”
The CCG’s risk assessment is based on a 2018 report that the union says contains inaccurate and incomplete information. In its news release, the CCG says it will eliminate lightkeeping duties at these locations and replace them with “automated solar technologies.”
The union is concerned that the public is relying on solar power because the sun doesn’t always shine in the foggy region. Worse, the “technology” in question consists of four lights that automatically turn on when a lighthouse stops working. “The problem occurs when all four lights go out or fog prevents contact with the control area,” Tchir says. “Instead of having real people who can troubleshoot and respond immediately to emergencies, it could be days before help arrives.”
The union is also concerned that there was no consultation with the staff who live and work at these lighthouses, their union representatives or the general public who use the area for recreation, including hikers on the West Coast Trail. Indigenous people who fish in the area’s waters, as permitted by their traditional and constitutional rights, were also not consulted.
“The Minister must issue a cease and desist order, while the information is validated, stakeholders are consulted and the public is reassured,” added Mr. Tchir. “UCET is primarily concerned with the safety and protection of its lighthouse keepers, and then the public. We hope that the Minister is as well.”