UCTE congratulates communities for keeping the canals and waterways open

OTTAWA, June 24, 2014 /CNW/ - Christine Collins, National President of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, was pleased to hear the government's announcement yesterday to increase the operating hours along both the Rideau Canal and Trent Severn Waterway for the 2014 canal season.

"The public and our members should be proud of the fight they did to make politicians really look at the negative impact of their actions," said Collins. "Minister Aglukkaq and the Parks Canada executives could no longer ignore the mounting evidence of the negative impacts associated on the communities with a reduction in the canal hours of operation whether it be economically, environmentally, or socially on so many people who depend on the men and women who work on the canals."

The government announcement indicates that, beginning the Canada Day long weekend, Parks Canada has restored 112 hours to the Canal season. Furthermore, the government indicates that it is willing to collaborate with different groups as it continues to assess the long-term sustainability of the canals. 

"We are glad to see that the government is acting on some of the recommendations we have made in the past such as fostering new infrastructure investment," said Collins. "Our members and the Union as a whole are still willing to work with Parks Canada as they continue to assess how best to address operational use if we are ever asked back to the table."

The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees, a component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, represents the unionized canal workers at Parks Canada.

 

SOURCE: Union of Canadian Transportation Employees

Lira Buschman, Communications & Special Projects Officer, 613 558-4003