Bachrach condemns government’s failure to protect tugboat workers

OTTAWA– On Thursday, MP Taylor Bachrach (Skeena-Bulkley Valley) rose in Parliament to express frustration at the government’s lack of action to improve marine safety regulations, more than three years after the sinking of the tugboat Ingenika killed mariners Troy Pearson and Charlie Cragg.

“It’s been three years since the tugboat Ingenika sank killing Troy Pearson and Charlie Cragg,” said Bachrach. “And it’s been two years and three Transport Ministers since this government promised strengthened marine personnel regulations to protect workers like Troy and Charlie. How can the Minister justify continued delays while workers lives are on the line?”

In March of 2023, the Transportation Safety Board published their investigation into the sinking of the Ingenika, which made recommendations including mandatory inspections for tugboats under 15 tonnes.

The families of Troy Pearson and Charlie Cragg and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union have also spent years pushing for improved regulations and legislation including increased crew levels, improved training and certification, and strengthening enforcement.

In her response to Bachrach’s question, Transportation Minister Anita Anand said “We’re working now to implement [the Transportation Safety Board’s] recommendations and strengthen safety measures.”

“The government is dragging its feet despite both the industry and the union agreeing the regulations should be stronger,” said Bachrach. “There is no reason it should be taking this long. Every day that goes by is another day workers don’t have the protections they deserve.”