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January 10, 1997
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

NAV CANADA Board of Directors to meet in Gander in June 1997

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and MHA - Gander, announced today that the NAV CANADA Board of Directors has accepted the province's invitation to hold its June 1997 board meeting in Gander.

The minister was notified of the decision in a recent letter from Kenneth Copeland, president and chief executive officer of NAV CANADA. In his letter, Mr. Copeland cited the personal interest expressed by the minister and Premier Tobin as factors in the board's decision.

In a speech to the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce on September 11, 1996, the premier spoke of the importance of the Gander Area Control Centre. With the commercialization of the Air Navigation System, the premier noted that NAV CANADA would be making decisions in the future which may impact the Gander Centre. On that basis, the premier said he had formally invited the NAV CANADA Board of Directors to hold a future meeting in Gander.

The minister said: "While in Gander, the board of directors will hold a regular meeting and visit the Gander Area Control Centre. The premier, Julie Bettney, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, and I will also be meeting with the board to outline the advantages of the Gander Centre, and explain the many ways in which the centre is an asset to Canada's air navigation system".

The minister added: "I look forward to working with the Town of Gander and the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce in planning for the board's visit next June. Government is looking at this visit by the NAV CANADA Board of Directors as an excellent opportunity to secure the future of the Gander Area Control Centre".

Contact: Minister's Office, (709) 729-0659