Successful meeting with officials at CFB Goose Bay

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush today said he had a successful meeting last week with officials Colonel Paul McCabe and the Allied Commanders at CFB Goose Bay. 

"Our main objective in meeting with officials at CFB Goose Bay was to ensure that we had a greater knowledge of the operation, and to express our interest in the maintenance and expansion of the base," said Minister Lush. "The base at Goose Bay makes a tremendous contribution to the Newfoundland and Labrador economy, with low-level flying in 1999 contributing in excess of $90 million to the province's Gross Domestic Product."

Minister Lush added that the province will continue to provide support to ensure there is a commitment by the federal government to further expand military operations. As an example, the province welcomes the federal government's commitment to upgrade various aspects of the base, including a new airfield lighting system to replace an old and outdated system this coming year.

"We assured continuation of our enthusiastic support provincially as long as military activities meet our environmental standards and standards set by stakeholders, including aboriginals in the area," said Minister Lush.

Minister Lush added that Colonel McCabe was both encouraged and optimistic about the expansion of CFB Goose Bay. The Colonel assured Minister Lush that the base will continue to play a pivotal role in terms of offering our Allied partners the best facilities possible for flight training and related military activities.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1341.

2001 03 12                        3:50 p.m.