Search protocol change generates response

People, who have been pushing for better search and rescue services, are speaking out about a new response protocol announced by the feds yesterday.

The changes to search protocols come in the wake of the death of 14-year-old Burton Winters in northern Labrador.

Some say it's a step forward, others say it's a step back.

Liberal MHA Randy Edmunds helped recover the Makkovik teen's frozen body on the ice.

The new policy doesn't offer him much comfort about the next emergency.

"It just adds extra burden to a problem that we already have," Edmunds said. 

In the past, if search and rescue couldn't come right away, rescuers on the scene had to keep calling the military for help.

Under the new policy, the military calls back to see if help is still required.

Edmunds said that doesn't fix the problem. He wants search and rescue resources deployed as soon as equipment is available or as soon as conditions allow.

"Once the call goes into search and rescue centre, it should just be one call," Edmunds said.

A series of vigils have taken place across the province calling for better search services in the wake of the Labrador teen’s death.

Vigil organizer Loomis Way said the protocol change is a sign all the protests are paying off.

"I don't think it's anything to jump up in the air about ... I just think it's a good thing that gives us a message anyway — at least they're paying attention," Way said.

Way said there's another rally tonight in Flowers Cove.

Inquiry call

Meanwhile, in the House of Commons today, NDP MP Jack Harris called for a full and independent inquiry into the incident.

Harris referenced yesterday’s protocol changes for searches, announced by Defence Minister Peter MacKay.

"Clearly this is some acknowledgement that problems exist in Canada's search and rescue system," Harris said.