Denise Savoie

LETTER TO MARITIME COMMANDER REGARDING LIVE FIRE EXERCISES

Rear Admiral Roger Girouard
Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific
PO Box 17000 Stn. Forces
Victoria, B.C.
V9A 7N2

Dear Sir:

I write to you regarding the live-round firing exercises being conducted by the United States Coast Guard in areas recognized as corridors for migrating whales off the coast of British Columbia.

The May 2007 incident at Sheringham Point near Sooke, BC with whale-watching groups present raised a number of serious concerns. Although I understand that this exercise is part of standard procedure, I have received many calls from residents and businesses involved in the tourism industry who asked that certain questions be answered.

On their behalf, I urge you to make public Maritime Forces’ report on this incident and to explain why there is a need for the American Coast Guard to conduct military training in Canadian waters, as well to outline the accepted procedure for these types of exercises. I also ask that you ascertain whether US Coast Guard regulations are consistent with Canadian safety and environmental regulations. During similar firing exercises in the Great Lakes, the US Coast Guard used lead rounds, which clearly pose a threat to our health and environment. In light of recent scientific reports that have indicated that there is simply no such thing as a “safe” level of lead in water used for drinking and other human activity, the possible use of lead ammunition is of grave concern to residents of the area.

I look forward to your prompt response to these concerns.

Sincerely,

Denise Savoie