A spokesperson from Transport Canada contacted Castanet to explain why the boating safety office would be closed in Kelowna.

Spokesperson Patrick Charette says Transport Canada federal officials will cease public education and outreach activities in the Office of Boating Safety, eliminating 14 positions across the country by this decision.

"Over the past year, the government has found fair, balanced, and moderate savings measures to reduce the deficit. Overall, the savings the government has found represents less than two per cent of program spending and less than 0.2 per cent of the economy. In fact, over 70 per cent of the savings found are in operational efficiencies."

Instead Transport Canada will support partner organizations who conduct boating safety outreach.

Charette says Transport Canada found that it can be more effective in supporting outreach efforts by other organizations.

"We will increase funding for the Boating Safety Class Contribution Program that will enable our partner organizations (i.e. provincial police forces, safety organizations) to continue to educate the public on boating safety and allow Transport Canada to focus on core regulatory programs. "

As for the boating safety officer, Chris Marrie, who represents Kelowna, his position will be eliminated. However Charette says that doesn't mean Marrie will lose his job, as he may be relocated elsewhere within the Ministry.  

By ending public education and outreach activities in the Office of Boating Safety, Transport Canada claims to be saving $500,000, which will be re-allocated to redesign the contribution program in support of boating including increasing the program's reach.