The following is being at the request Sandra Kelly, MHA - Gander:

Sandra Kelly, MHA - Gander, today responded to a decision by the Department of National Defence (DND) which will affect the future of CFB Gander.

It has been learned that DND intends to apply its Alternative Service Delivery (ASD) process to the delivery of "non-core" support services at seven bases across Canada, including CFB Gander. ASD is part of a DND strategy to allow the military to focus on its core mandate, by examining innovative ways to deliver support services other than by uniformed personnel. ASD options may include partnering arrangements, in-house delivery, commercialization, or privatization. A similar process is nearing completion at CFB Goose Bay, with an announcement expected within weeks as to how and by whom services will be provided there in the future.

"We all recognize the need for government to reduce operating costs and continue to make itself more efficient," she said, "but CFB Gander has already suffered greatly in recent years from federal cutbacks. In particular, the remoting of the Canadian Forces Supplementary Radio System has had a significant impact. By the year 2000 the base workforce will be less than half its size in 1995-96. The latest in a series of reductions was the elimination of 16 positions at the base only a few weeks ago. The ASD announcement comes at a time when we were looking forward to some stability for CFB Gander in the near term.

"Given that now both Canadian Forces Bases in Newfoundland and Labrador are being subjected to ASD, I must question why this province is being singled out by DND, particularly in light of the state of the economy in rural Newfoundland and the significant impact federal government cutbacks have had on this province in recent years. This concern is magnified by the fact that the overall level of DND activity in this province is already very low, compared to most others, despite our strategic location and long history as a centre for military activities."

Ms. Kelly has written Arthur Eggleton, Minister of National Defence, to ask that he clarify the criteria used to select the bases under review, and why DND is not looking at other ways to reduce costs in its department. In addition, she has asked that Minister Eggleton confirm that the base is not at risk of being closed.

"I have spoken with Premier Tobin on this issue," she said, "and we agree that DND should not proceed with ASD until the province and the people of Gander have been properly briefed on why it is pursuing this initiative and what it will mean. I have conveyed this message to the federal minister."

"If this ASD process is to proceed, and I have not concluded that it should, we will need to monitor it closely," she said, "to ensure the future of the base is secure, that local benefits to labour and business are maximized, and that public services, such as Search and Rescue, are not compromised."

Ms. Kelly said she has also sought assurances from Minister Eggleton that Search and Rescue will remain a core military function, and service for the island of Newfoundland will continue to be provided from the central location of Gander. She referenced the commitment in the 1994 Defence White Paper that "safeguarding human life remains an absolute priority, and the Canadian Forces will continue to play a major role in this vital area."

Ms. Kelly also noted there are several opportunities to enhance military activity in the area, such as training opportunities for Canadian Forces personnel, which must continue to be pursued. These include the provision of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) training, cadet training, spin-offs from the planned deployment of new Search and Rescue helicopters, and increasing the reserve presence. She will be pursuing these matters with Minister Eggleton, as well.

Contact: Audrey Miller, (709) 256-8884.