The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (now called CanBoat) is requesting that Transport Canada reinstate the funding under the Boating Safety Contribution Program (BSCP) for the distress flare collection and disposal program that was previously administered through CanBoat. Boaters and members of the boating industry are encouraged to submit letters to Transport Canada in support of this effort.
Distress flares have expiry dates marked on them and beyond those dates, flares may start to “weep” dangerous chemicals. The older the flare, the more unstable it could become. Unfortunately, many boat owners still have expired flares on their boats, stored in garages, or in their homes.
Transport Canada previously had provided funding for a Safety Education and Distress Flare Disposal program. The program was delivered nation-wide through the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CanBoat). This past summer, CanBoat received no funding from Transport Canada. CanBoat is applying for Transport Canada funding to again hold the nation-wide Flare Collection Days. CanBoat needs the support of the boating industry and the boating public to help in this effort. The grant application is going in soon and there will be other requests for funding. Big numbers speak loudly so every letter counts.
Header Photo by Fish Safe
An example letter is provided below; please send in your letter today. Thank you!
September 15
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland,
Minister of Transportation,
House of Commons,
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A-046
CANADA
As concerned boaters for the safety of all, we are asking that Transport Canada reinstate the funding under the Boating Safety Contribution Program (BSCP) for the distress flare collection and disposal program that was previously administered through the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons nationwide.
Boaters carry both the pyrotechnic distress flares required by Transport Canada regulations, as well as older flares that have expired. Pyrotechnic distress flares release toxic chemicals and cannot be disposed of on land or in the water. And it is illegal for individuals to fire flares off unless there is a legitimate emergency. In recent years, many disposal options through municipal waste management and other government agencies like police or fire departments have been discontinued.
The previous Transport Canada-funded Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons distress flare collection and disposal program was very successful. Nearly 300,000 different brands of flares were brought to a CanBoat flare disposal day event. These events were staffed by trained CanBoat volunteers and operated in concert with CIL Explosives, who properly handled the actual disposal, and funded 40% of the cost of that disposal. For the sake of the safety of boaters, waste management personnel, and others, we are asking that Transport Canada reinstate the funding for this important flare disposal program.
Respectfully,
(your name)
(address/phone-optional)
