Mackay responds

Re: Passing The Buck In Search-And-Rescue, Michael Byers And Stewart Webb, March 20. I want to assure Canadians that the recent column by Michael Byers and Stewart Webb is wrong. First, the Canadian Armed Forces do not fly unsafe aircraft. Second, with regards to the tragic death of Burton Winters in Labrador, I can assure your readers that a provincially contracted helicopter was involved in the search for him only three hours after such assistance was requested by Newfoundland Fire and Emergency Services. We have now stationed another Griffon helicopter at CFB Goose Bay and updated departmental search and rescue protocols.

Our government is working to procure a fixed-wing search-and-rescue plane that can serve Canadians for decades to come. However, as I stated recently, the defence department does not undertake this work alone. The Departments of National Defence, Public Works and Government Services Canada and Industry Canada work together with the private sector on major procurements.

We have the largest search-and rescue-territory and some of the most challenging weather systems on the planet. That is why this particular procurement is a priority. Search-and-rescue technicians do excellent work on behalf of Canadians, saving hundreds of lives annually and our government is committed to ensuring they have the critical equipment they need to do their jobs. Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Ottawa.