January 18, 2000
(Minister Responsible for Labrador)

Minister Responsible for Labrador outlines government�s efforts
to promote 5 Wing Goose Bay as site for low-level flying

Ernie McLean, Minister Responsible for Labrador, today provided an update on provincial government efforts to support and promote low-level flying in Labrador.

Mr. McLean said: "This government has taken significant action to market 5 Wing Goose Bay as a site for low-level military flight training. My Cabinet colleagues and I place the marketing of 5 Wing Goose Bay as a significant priority."

Mr. McLean noted the acquisition of an Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) System is a top priority. ACMI technology involves pods attached to fighter aircraft to record flight information for playback upon returning to the base. This represents an important tool for evaluation and instruction of pilots. It has been estimated that this would cost the Department of National Defence $10 million to $15 million up front, which could be recovered over time from the Allies.

"The Allied forces first raised the need for an ACMI System at 5 Wing Goose Bay in 1997. The Allied Forces have argued that acquisition of an ACMI System would result in more training by existing partners, and make the base more marketable to prospective new training partners," said Mr. McLean.

"Since that time, I and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel have actively lobbied the federal government to invest in the project," the minister said.

"In meetings and correspondence with National Defence Minister Arthur Eggleton, we have argued that the acquisition of defence infrastructure and support for NATO Allies are federal responsibilities and should be priorities for DND. We have noted that the investment costs would be recovered over time, and that any innovation which promotes an increase in flying at Goose Bay would ultimately reduce DND�s share of base operating costs, which are calculated in part on the basis of activity levels. This represents a winning investment for DND and for the Government of Canada," Mr. McLean said.

"Based on our lobbying efforts, Minister Eggleton agreed to add a Goose Bay option to a request for proposals for an ACMI System for Cold Lake," Mr. McLean noted. Upon the selection of a successful bidder for Cold Lake, discussions will be pursued with the Allied Forces and the contractor on an ACMI System for Goose Bay. "We expect this to happen soon," he added. "I am very pleased with the support voiced for this project by both Minister Eggleton and our regional Minister, George Baker."

The minister said that government has worked tirelessly to market 5 Wing Goose Bay as a site for low-level military flight training. Mr. McLean noted that work is proceeding on the development of a marketing plan for 5 Wing Goose Bay. "While we are pleased to welcome the Italian Air Force to Goose Bay this year, there remains room for growth at the base."

The province is working with DND, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador MP Lawrence O�Brien and others in the development of a marketing plan for the base. Mr. McLean noted that discussions have been very positive and that there is an excellent level of cooperation among all parties. He noted this is indicative of the cooperative spirit built between the province, DND and other stakeholders over the years.

"Let me assure you that this government is delighted to work cooperatively with DND or any other agency which support our efforts to promote 5 Wing Goose Bay," Mr. McLean said.

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2000 01 18                                                 5:15 p.m.