Dear Member of Parliament:

As a resident of British Columbia, I am greatly concerned about the threat to public safety raised by destaffing of the light stations along our coast. We are a coastal province and every year our waters become home to people from here and around the world. A beacon is simply not enough. Light station keepers are a tradition; moreover, they save lives and are a comfort to those on the water. What kind of message does destaffing send to the people of BC and the rest of the world?

I had the opportunity to visit one of our light stations recently and was greatly impressed by the commitment of the keepers in giving detailed reports, monitoring the marine radio, observing the waters, and connecting with those in smaller craft such as kayakers. This position should be applauded, not erased.

Please do what you can to convince the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to follow the recommendations of the Standing Committee for the Senate and keep our light stations staffed by dedicated people who truly care.

Yours truly,

Wendy Hawkin
Port Moody, B.C.