May 14, 1999
(Executive Council)

Provincial ministers pursue defence opportunities with Minister of National Defence

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel and several other provincial ministers spent last Friday and Saturday meeting with Art Eggleton, Minister of National Defence, to explore how defence spending can be increased in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Noel and Ernest McLean, Minister of Government Services and Lands and Minister Responsible for Labrador, were in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Friday, May 7, continuing the province's efforts to promote and expand the military presence in the town.

While in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the ministers met with the Minister of National Defence, Art Eggleton, the MP for Labrador, Lawrence O'Brien, the Town Council of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders.

Minister Eggleton, the guest speaker at a luncheon hosted by the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, announced that the Department of National Defence is engaged in discussions with the Italian Air Force with a view to having Italy commence military training in Goose Bay as early as next year.

Minister Noel welcomed the news: "The province has been working with the Department of National Defence to expand military presence in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the introduction of a new NATO ally at 5 Wing Goose Bay would bring additional benefits to the region."

Minister McLean added: "We will continue to work with Minister Eggleton and the community to market 5 Wing Goose Bay to other allied nations and increase defence activity in Labrador. Such activity brings significant economic spinoffs for the province."

The United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands presently have training programs at Goose Bay. A new participant would reduce costs of training for all military contributors, and result in increased business activity.

Minister Noel continued to seek increased defence opportunities in Gander Saturday, May 8. Along with Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra Kelly, MHA for Gander, and Development and Rural Renewal Minister Beaton Tulk, he met with Minister Eggleton, MP George Baker, the Town of Gander, the Gander Area Chamber of Commerce, and a representative of the Cadet Camp Committee to discuss defence opportunities for the town. Minister Kelly stated: "The Town of Gander and the province have identified a number of ways defence facilities at Gander can be more effectively utilized. We intend to continue to work closely with Minister Eggleton to ensure CFB Gander is used to its full potential."

Media Contact: Ron Fitzpatrick, Intergovernmental Affairs, Communications, (709) 729-7007.

1999 05 14                       4:50 p.m.