ottawa -- The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South-Burnaby, announced today that Mr. Peter G. Bernard, Q.C., a senior marine lawyer, will conduct a review of the decision made by the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) to terminate its Rescue Diving Pilot Project at Coast Guard Sea Island Base in Richmond, B.C. "I am happy that Mr. Bernard has accepted to undertake this important review," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "With his valuable experience in maritime law, I have every confidence that he, in cooperation with my department, will conduct a thorough review of the decision to terminate rescue diving in Search and Rescue operations." Mr. Bernard, who has thirty years experience in maritime law, has been asked to present a report to the Minister within 60 days. "We can never be too careful in matters affecting the safety of Canadians and emergency response. That is the reason why I have opted to take this extra step before making a final decision on whether or not to disband the Coast Guard rescue diving pilot project capability," said Minister Dhaliwal. The Sea Island Rescue Diving Pilot Project was suspended on November 29th, 2000 pending a final decision on its continuation. Until such time as the report from the independent expert has been received and reviewed by the Minister, it will remain suspended. The British Columbia Coroner is presently reviewing the facts surrounding the February 18th accident. The Canadian Coast Guard is cooperating fully with the Coroner in her investigation, and will look forward to her final report. A biographical note is attached. -30- For information:
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