MP Taylor Bachrach takes concerns over tugboat Ingenika to House of Commons Question Period

Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach speaking 
to the House of Commons from Smithers  on Monday

The discussion on the sinking of the tugboat Ingenika has made it to the House of Commons, with MP Taylor Bachrach raising a range of concerns related to the tragic events in waters near Kitimat in February.

Particpating as part of Question Period on Monday, the MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley spoke to the loss of life of Prince Rupert's Troy Pearson and Terrace resident Charley Cragg, calling for additional safety measures for those who work the waters aboard tugs.

"This tragic incident has brought to light the lack of regulations for tugboats below fifteen tonnes, workers have shared stories of poor maintenance, inadequate training and tugs operating in unsafe conditions. We must use the lessons of this tragedy to improve safety for all tugboat crews working on our coasts"

As part of his time on the theme, Mr. Bachrach asked for the federal government to commit to immediate action on safety concerns.

In reply Transport  Minister Omar Alghabra relayed the condolences of the government to the families and advised that his department and the Department of Oceans and Fisheries were working to address the situation and called on MP Bachrach to provide further input towards moving forward.

As we outlined last week, the Canadian Transportation Safety Board has begun its investigation into the February sinking, a process that could take investigators through the summer and into the fall before any findings are released.

The third member of the crew of the Ingenika Zac Dolan from Prince Rupert was rescued as part of the search response to the sinking following the vessel in distress call, he continues with his recovery.

 

You can review more notes on the sinking of the Ingenika from our archive page here.