News release

January 10, 2003

Weather offices essential to safety of Canadians, says union

Ottawa--Some proposals being developed by Environment Canada to restructure the Meteorological Service of Canada could endanger the lives and safety of Canadians, according to the union representing workers of the weather offices across the country.

"Environment Canada has a legislative obligation to safeguard the health and safety of Canadians on land, at sea and in the sky," said William Pynn, President of the Environment Component, PSAC. "Reducing the staff and resources of weather offices currently reviewed by Environment Canada, would put all Canadians at risk".

The union has been consulting with the Department of Environment over the past year and a half concerning proposals which were tabled to address a "living within our means" initiative put forth by that Department.  In essence, proposals were being developed to restructure the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) of which could potentially have a drastic impact on the personal and professional lives of its employees.

"The Environment Minister must now reveal his government’s intentions regarding the weather offices" Pynn said. "Canadians will not accept a reduction of the calibre of weather services in this country. The government should provide adequate funding to maintain and to improve the services provided by weather offices across the country."

During an interview yesterday on national television, Pynn indicated that weather services play an important role in the life of many Canadians who need reliable and frequent weather information. "Without this information," Pynn said, "the lives of many Canadians would be disrupted or endangered. It would be foolish to tamper with such an essential service"

For information:
William Pynn, National President, Environment Component,
(613) 736-5533, extension 228

01-100103