Canadian Maritime & Supply Chain Coalition Formed
Leaders of the new coalition say they are fighting for the survival of the Canadian Maritime Industry, and explained their significant worries concerning the Canadian-European Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) and the lack of transparency that government has had when making this deal. This free trade agreement will allow EU beneficially owned Flag of Convenience (FOC) vessels and so-called European National Flag to trade freely between Canadian ports without any restrictions on origin of the crew, or level of wage and working conditions. What we can be sure about is that this agreement will completely halt the Canadian maritime transport sector's growth. Moreover, the communities and regions that depend on this industry will be destroyed.
BC Ferries Says Union’s Safety Report Inaccurate
BC Ferries responded critically to a Union report on safety issued today. BC Ferries’ President and CEO Bob Lingwood responded by saying the report is inaccurate and creates an incorrect perception. The Corporation’s high safety standards are independently audited by Lloyd’s Register and are the result of highly competent, diligent and well-trained employees. The 28-page report was compiled by a committee struck by the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union. The report has been assessed by the Corporation as containing both inaccuracies and outdated information. In particular, the report inaccurately claims that safety issues are present with lifesaving equipment, hull integrity and navigational systems.
BC Ferries Issues Findings into Incident
BC Ferries released the findings of its internal investigation into the January 9, 2007 incident where the MV Quinsam unexpectedly pulled away from the dock at the Nanaimo Harbour terminal resulting in a vehicle rolling off the ramp. The Divisional Inquiry findings conclude no mechanical, electrical, or system faults were identified affecting the function of the vessel propulsion system immediately upon the occurrence of the incident or during subsequent inspections and testing. The Divisional Inquiry panel, which included representatives from both management and the BC Ferry and Marine Workers’ Union, therefore concluded that human factors likely contributed to the occurrence of the incident and the report details two possible scenarios.
Sunken B.C. Ferry Crew Members Face Uncertainty
According to the AP, B.C. Ferries says it will suspend and possibly fire a handful of crew members who were working on the Queen of the North the night it sank if they don't take part into an investigation into the sinking. The report indicated that CEO David Hahn told Canadian Press that less than four crew members have refused to answer questions in the investigation. Hahn refused to say whether the crew members are critical to the investigation or include the two who were in the wheelhouse at the time of the crash. The ferry ran into Gil Island in Wright Sound and sank March 22nd. It carried 101 people and two people died. B.C. Ferry…
