Lighthouse de-staffing program cancelled by DFO

CBC News -

The federal government has cancelled its plans to de-staff 50 lighthouses in British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea announced on Wednesday.

Shea said the decision followed a Senate committee report in December that recommended halting the plan.

"Our government recognizes both the significance of lighthouses and light-keeper services to the coastal communities they now serve, as well as the important role the Canadian Coast Guard plays in keeping mariners safe," said Shea in a statement.

"Therefore, I have instructed Canadian Coast Guard officials to respect the report and immediately halt plans to remove light-keepers from currently staffed lighthouses in British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador," she said.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada says there are 23 staffed lighthouses in Newfoundland and Labrador, and 27 in British Columbia. Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan said coast guard officials will immediately halt all de-staffing plans.

"The government's priority is about public safety and this is all about a government priority," Duncan said.

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