Ashfield firm on sub-centre closure

During a tour of two Canadian Coast Guard ships in St. John's Saturday, the federal fisheries minister reiterated that Ottawa's decision to close the Marine Rescue Sub-Centre in St. John's will not jeopardize the safety of people who live in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We think it's the right thing to do. We're not putting anyone in any kind of jeopardy or dangerand I think it is the right thing to do and unfortunately I know it has caused a bit of an uproar here, but times are changing," Minister Keith Ashfield told CBC News.

"It's part of our process of reducing duplication and trying to save money for the taxpayers of Canada."

The minister, who was in St. John's to announce a new $18 million lobster sustainability program aimed at downsizing the fishery, met crew and toured the Henry Larsen and the Cape Roger, which recently underwent a $12 million refit.

The Conservatives announced the closure of the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in St. John's shortly after winning the federal election. Work handled by the sub-centre which communicates with military, coast guard and civilian ships in rescue responsesis set to take place in Nova Scotia and Ontario after the closure planned for next June.

Protests and rallies against the federal government's decision to close the sub-centre took place in St. John's after the announcement was made.