Greens Call on Minister to Keep Staff in Lighthouses

SIDNEY -- The Green Party of Canada is calling on Fisheries Minister Gail Shea to permanently reverse the decision of de-staffing thirty-six lighthouses on the east and west coasts of Canada. We congratulate Minister Shea for recently agreeing to put on hold this decision until further study has been conducted. We urge the Minister to make this short term decision permanent.

"Putting machines in place of people in these critical lighthouses is not a safe decision," said Green Leader Elizabeth May.  "The areas affected are some of the most rugged coastline in Canada and the lighthouse keepers play an important role, providing safety services, security and also spotting any pollution problems."

"Automated equipment will never be as reliable and accurate as an experienced lighthouse keeper," said Green Leader Elizabeth May. "These people are relied on by their communities, by airlines and shipping companies, by fishers, tourist operators and boaters.  The impact of this decision is widely felt.  Any sort of cost saving the Ministry expects will be an illusion.  Lighthouse keepers are worth far more than their salary."

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