‘Improved search and rescue coverage is not just a request, its a necessity,’ says Labrador MP

Philip Earle has been announced as the Liberal candidate for the riding of Labrador in the upcoming federal election. CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentLiberal Labrador MP Philip Earle has strong words of support for the Labradorians calling for improved search and rescue (SAR) operations at the Canadian Coast Guard’s Atlantic headquarters on Sept. 16.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIn short: he’s all in.Article contentArticle content“The people of Labrador have been clear: improved search and rescue coverage is not just a request, it’s a necessity,” he said in a statement to The Telegram.Article contentArticle content“I fully support the voices of those who are standing up for safer ocean and stronger marine infrastructure.”Article contentThe protest was led by Labrador mother Jeanette Russell, whose son went missing while fishing four years ago alongside his fishing partner. Her organization, the Labrador Coalition for Search and Rescue, stood alongside the Fish, Food, & Allied Workers’ Union (FFAW), which collectively demanded a lifeboat station, the upgrade of Air Force Base 5 Wing Goose Bay to a primary SAR station, and stationing a helicopter (for more timely rescue operations) in Labrador.Article contentOn Sept. 2, the Canadian Coast Guard was restructured under the Department of National Defence. At the time, the federal government stated this would “enhance coordination across government and ensure Canada is even better prepared to safeguard its waters and coastline.”Article contentArticle contentThe transition is something Earle says marks the beginning of what could be concrete improvements to marine safety in Labrador.Article content“We have a new opportunity to finally deliver the improvements that Labrador demands,” he said.Article content“I share the conviction of all those who are advocating for change, and I remain determined to be one of the strongest voices pressing for upgraded services in Labrador.”Article contentAs part of the change, key personnel from Fisheries and Oceans Canada are included, so as to also protect the country’s maritime interests and resources.Article content“These demands are about saving lives and supporting livelihoods that are made on the ocean,” said Earle.Article content“I will continue working with other Members of Parliament and Ministers of the Crown, as well as Indigenous leadership, to make sure this matter is addressed in a timely manner.”Article content‘There are always improvements to be made’Article content Jeanette Russell headed up a protest at the Canadian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in St. John’s Sept. 17, 2025 fighting for better search and rescue resources for Labrador. Russell’s son was lost during a fishing trip four years ago. Photo by Sean Ridgeley/The Telegram