UCTE members work on and with water from coast to coast to coast. In fact, a great many public-service workers – in UCTE and beyond – spend their days ensuring water cleanliness, stability, or otherwise dealing with water and its importance to our daily lives.
At sea, in inclement weather, or in a health or humanitarian crisis, water can present terrible danger. At the same time it is fundamental to life itself, and there are so many nuanced realities in between.
Janet Kirk is a lighthouse keeper in B.C. and President of Local 20232. Water is essential to her work: her station uses rainwater for daily needs, meaning water flows through the station as well as all around it, above and below: “Lighthouses serve as a reminder of the importance of striking a balance between using and protecting nature. Our collective responsibility for water is characterized by reliance, respect, and accountability.”
Our canal operators, employed by Parks Canada, also regulate water to protect wildlife, communities, and commerce. We also recognize the importance of water to Airport Firefighters. Water means something quite different to our Coast Guard members in Search and Rescue operations. Transport Canada inspectors’ work helps prevent pollution, control overfishing, promote marine safety awareness, and so much more. Our members at Natural Resources Canada and at Ports help regulate our use of water to keep it clean, abundant, and safe.
Water is the focus of so many public services. UCTE members are working every day to keep it safe, keep it flowing where it’s needed. Thanks to UCTE member for keeping us safe on and near the water. On World Water Day, and every day, we appreciate your dedication.
