Thursday 2 May 2013

Canada’s search and rescue system gets boost from defence minister Peter MacKay

The federal government is making changes to help improve Canada’s search-and-rescue abilities, just days after a watchdog warned those capabilities were being threatened by aging aircraft and a shortage of personnel.

Changes announced Thursday include investments in new satellite technology to better detect emergency beacons and a directive to rescue crews to work flexible hours during times of high demand, like fishing seasons.
As well, the government has launched an extensive review of the country’s search-and-rescue network. Expected to be completed by year’s end, that review could prompt further changes and investments, MacKay said.
The announcement was silent on the one big concern flagged by the auditor general — the age of the Buffalo and Hercules aircraft that are the backbone of the rescue responses.
A program has been underway since 2002 to replace both aircraft with a single new rescue plane but has been dogged by delays.
MacKay conceded on Wednesday that Canada’s search-and-rescue system is “not good enough” and promised a review with other departments and stakeholders.
The changes come in the wake of a sharply-critical report by auditor general Michael Ferguson, who highlighted big problems with the search-and-rescue network, including aging aircraft, second-rate helicopters, a shortage of personnel and an outdated information system to coordinate it all.
Ferguson starkly warned that the serious problems put at risk the “sustainability” of the country’s search-and-rescue program.
The six initiatives announced include:
•Better tracking of the status of helicopters and aircraft to ensure their availability to respond to a rescue
•$16.2 million for satellite projects that will better detect emergency beacons signaling someone in distress.
•An improved website where Canadians can register their emergency beacons, providing information which can help rescue officials in times of crisis.
•$2 million upgrade to the rescue coordination centre in Halifax.
•More flexible hours for rescue crews during peak seasons. Opposition MPs have complained about the “banker’s hours” — the 30-minute readiness between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., two hours on evenings and weekends.
MacKay insisted that the military has the personnel to work the new hours, even though the auditor general noted that staff shortages are already stretching the system thin.

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