June 3, 1999
(Executive Council)

Italian air force to train in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel and Ernest McLean, Minister of Government Services and Lands and Minister Responsible for Labrador, were in Happy Valley-Goose Bay yesterday to meet with Italian air force officials.

The ministers were delighted that the head of the Italian delegation, Brig. General Gian Piero Ristori, announced that the Italian air force has decided to conduct low-level training in Labrador. While considerable work is left to be done on renovating infrastructure at the base, General Ristori said that they hope to begin training in this province in 2000, with a permanent detachment at the base by 2001.

Both Ministers Noel and McLean have been working for several months with the Department of National Defence, 5 Wing Goose Bay, and local stakeholders to convince the Italians of the advantages of training in Labrador. Minister Noel stated: "The addition of another NATO ally at Goose Bay brings a lot of stability to the future of the base as a training facility. The continuation of the training program in Labrador is vital to the social, economic, and cultural well-being of the central Labrador region, and is one of the most important industries in the provincial economy. We look forward to building upon this accomplishment."

Minister McLean added: "It's a great day for Labrador, and especially for Happy Valley-Goose Bay. While many of the final details will be worked out between Italy and the Department of National Defence, we'll do everything to ensure arrangements are quickly made to facilitate their arrival next year. We're delighted to welcome the Italian air force to our province."

Media contact:  Ron Fitzpatrick, Communications, Intergovernmental Affairs, (709) 729-2077, or Rick Callahan, Communications, Government Services and Lands, (709) 729-4860.

1999 06 03         2:20 p.m.