“I fully support the voices of those who are standing up for safer ocean and stronger marine infrastructure.”
The protest was led by Labrador mother Jeanette Russell, whose son went missing while fishing four years ago alongside his fishing partner. Her organization, the Labrador Coalition for Search and Rescue, stood alongside the Fish, Food, & Allied Workers’ Union (FFAW), which collectively demanded a lifeboat station, the upgrade of Air Force Base 5 Wing Goose Bay to a primary SAR station, and stationing a helicopter (for more timely rescue operations) in Labrador.
On Sept. 2, the Canadian Coast Guard was restructured under the Department of National Defence. At the time, the federal government stated this would “enhance coordination across government and ensure Canada is even better prepared to safeguard its waters and coastline.”
The transition is something Earle says marks the beginning of what could be concrete improvements to marine safety in Labrador.
“We have a new opportunity to finally deliver the improvements that Labrador demands,” he said.
“I share the conviction of all those who are advocating for change, and I remain determined to be one of the strongest voices pressing for upgraded services in Labrador.”
As part of the change, key personnel from Fisheries and Oceans Canada are included, so as to also protect the country’s maritime interests and resources.
“These demands are about saving lives and supporting livelihoods that are made on the ocean,” said Earle.
“I will continue working with other Members of Parliament and Ministers of the Crown, as well as Indigenous leadership, to make sure this matter is addressed in a timely manner.”
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) declined an interview for this story, but told The Telegram in a statement the agency’s top priorities are “the safety of mariners and protection of the marine environment.”
“Recognizing there are always improvements to be made, we are working collaboratively with our search and rescue partners, including Indigenous and coastal communities, to bolster marine emergency response capacity in Labrador,” it said.
The agency also pointed to its increase in auxiliary members and vessels (43 vessels versus 18 in 2017), the Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer Program, and the St. Anthony SAR station.
All of these factors were acknowledged by Russell, but she described the former two as “pennies on the dollar” compared to Newfoundland’s investment, and the latter as insufficient.
“If the lifeboat station in St. Anthony is meant to be patrolling off the coast of Labrador, why is there a joke in Labrador that the only time we see the Canadian Coast Guard is when the salmon are running and the berries are ripe?” she asked.
Other notable investments by the agency in the region include the Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) centre in Goose Bay, and its many fleet programs run along the Labrador Coast annually, which include SAR patrol vessels, among others, the Coast Guard said.
The CCG is currently still drafting a report on its 2024 assessment of the SAR area, which includes the Labrador Coast.
The CCG is currently still drafting a report on its 2024 assessment of the SAR area, which includes the Labrador Coast.
© 2026 Phillip Earle