The Inquiry into Ground Search and Rescue in Newfoundland and Labrador has publicly released its draft recommendations.

The inquiry was called eight years ago after 14-year-old Burton Winters of Makkovik was found dead on the ice. The child succumbed after walking 19 km after having to abandon his snowmobile.

The search effort for Winters encountered a number of delays involving weather and availability of equipment.

Commissioner James Igloliorte recommends that the provincial and federal governments, in consultation with policing and both ground and marine search and rescue agencies, arrive at a Memorandum of Understanding so that federal helicopter resources are available to support ground search and rescue operations equivalent to the availability in support of marine search and rescue.

The commissioner is also recommending that the provincial government undertake a careful review of the 911 system and similar services with the goal of streamlining the existing process.

He’s also recommending that the provincial government provide funding for the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association which is largely reliant on volunteer services and fundraising for ground search and rescue.

Members of the association should also be eligible for certain benefits, including Workplace NL coverage, should they suffer an injury while on a police-sanctioned operation according to the Commissioner.