Ministers attend meetings in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Walter Noel, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs, Sandra C. Kelly, Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology and acting Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and Ernest McLean, Minister of Government Services and Lands, Minister responsible for Labrador and Minister responsible for Development and Rural Renewal visited Happy Valley-Goose Bay on November 23 and 24, 2000.

The ministers met with National Defence officials and the Allies on the Base from Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and Britain, the Town Council, the Goose Bay Marketing Committee and the Goose Bay Airport Corporation to discuss a wide range of issues aimed at promoting and improving economic development in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The ministers are pleased with the outcome of the meetings.

"The Department of National Defence and Allied commanders are interested in expanding training programs at the Base and focused their discussions on operations and community relations," said Minister Noel. "The province is keenly interested in working with the Allies to increase training activities at the base."

"Newfoundland and Labrador has a small but growing aerospace and defence industry, and we are continually looking for ways to develop it," noted Minister Kelly. "These meetings provided a good start for discussions on how the Canadian Military and the Goose Bay Marketing Committee and Airport Corporation can pursue future opportunities to enhance the airport�s capabilities."

Minister Noel stated that the province will work with the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the Goose Bay Airport Corporation to promote the services available to civilian and military aircraft at the airport and thanked Minister McLean for hosting this set of meetings.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy Kelly, Intergovernmental Affairs, (709) 729-1341.

2000 12 04 4:50 p.m.