The Sea Island Dive Team is back in business after Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard Dominic LeBlanc and Steveston-Richmond East MP Joe Peschisolido reversed course on a highly controversial decision last month to shut it down.
Peschisolido told the Richmond News Thursday that the seemingly regrettable decision was overturned by a parliamentary committee, after he spoke directly to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to voice concerns from the local community.
“The dive team will continue as is and will not be moving,” said Peschisolido.
“This group of 26 search and rescue divers are charged with responding to emergencies in the waters off the Lower Mainland. They are trained to enter wrecked or sunken ships, vehicles and planes to rescue survivors or recover bodies. They provide a dangerous yet necessary service to our area,” said Peschisolido in a statement Friday.
Peschisolido noted DFO has faced “significant financial pressures” for several years and as such the dive team came under scrutiny.
“The Department was mandated to conduct a comprehensive review of its programs and services, and identify areas that were in low alignment with the organization’s core mandate,” explained Peschisolido.
“The Government listened to Canadians and understands the strong attachment they place on the Canadian Coast Guard, and in particular, the Sea Island Dive Team,” said Peschisolido.
The News reported late last month that the Coast Guard expected local authorities, including Richmond Fire Rescue and Richmond RCMP, to conduct more dive services.
Despite the cut, the federal government maintains the West Coast will see a boost to overall Coast Guard services via a five-year, $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan.
Peschisolido noted an additional $1.4 billion will be put toward DFO.
“With these new investments, Canadians will soon see a noticeable difference in the services they will receive from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard,” said Peschisolido.
