I very much appreciated the invitation by Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Manager of Community Initiatives Brooke Wood to attend the "Pacific Rim Region Coastal Safety Coordination Meeting" in Tofino on March 4th. This meeting was initiated by myself and federal environment minister Steven Guilbeault to bring together various organizations to enhance regional recreational coastal safety through education, prevention and response strategies. Community representatives in attendance were loud and clear about the reinstatement of the 36 year old Surf Guard Program at Incinerator Rock which has the highest rate of incidents and drowning fatalities since the Conservative government shut it down in 2012 as part of the Harper/Poilievre austerity program that included cuts to veterans services, fisheries offices and scientific research. Ironically, they pointed out, several beaches within national parks on the East Coast of Canada are far less dangerous with fewer visitors but include life saving programs. I pledged to continue the fight for Surf Guard in Parliament. I’m not backing down on this.