Families of chopper crash victims say Ottawa is failing to act on safety

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Families who lost loved ones in a helicopter crash off Newfoundland in 2009 say Ottawa is failing to act on key safety recommendations for the offshore oil sector.

Transport Canada is proposing new regulations that would ground offshore choppers in weather or sea states that would make ditching in water unsafe.

They would also require that all crew members wear immersion suits and that all passengers have underwater breathing devices.

But Lori Chynn, whose husband died on Cougar Flight 491, says Ottawa hasn’t acted to ensure choppers can run without gearbox oil for at least 30 minutes.

And St. John’s city Coun. Danny Breen, whose brother died in the disaster, says there should be more independent safety oversight.

The Transportation Safety Board recommended a 30-minute run dry time in its report on the crash, while a public inquiry recommended a separate safety agency.