Dear Editor,

I'd like to respond to factual inaccuracies being circulated about changes to our Marine Communications and Traffic Service centres (MCTS).

As I have said many times, I will not compromise the safety of mariners. The changes that we are making to MCTS centres will ensure the Coast Guard has the most up-to-date technology available to deliver the same services from larger centres at strategic locations across the country.

Currently, the Marine Communications and Traffic Service centres do not have up-to-date technology. For example, they cannot transfer responsibilities to neighbouring centres in the case of an unforeseen event like a power failure or unexpectedly high call volume.

As a result, we are completely transforming an old, antiquated system based on 30-year-old first generation computer systems and operation systems - all developed separately and at different times over the decades.

By investing in MCTS centres across Canada, our government is ensuring the Coast Guard has the most up-to-date technology available. Better connected centres with modern technology will ensure improved reliability of services.

Since 2006, our government has made unprecedented investments in the protection of Canadians at sea. We have been clear about finding efficiencies and aligning our resources, and we will do this without putting the lives of Canadians at risk.

We will continue to give MCTS operators the tools, training, and equipment they need to do their jobs, and we know that the changes we are making will improve the reliability of services and safety for mariners.

Our top priority continues to be the safety and security of Canadians on the water.

Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans