Minister, MHA meet with 9 Wing Gander officials

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush and Sandra Kelly, MHA-Gander, today met with Lieutenant Colonel Peter McKeage and officials from 9 Wing Gander to discuss ongoing infrastructure needs of the base and other areas of mutual interests to the province and 9 Wing.

In recent weeks, concern has been raised in Gander that 9 Wing may be decommissioning a number of its older buildings and transferring many of the functions of the base to rented facilities at the Gander airport. 

After meeting with officials from the base, both ministers were encouraged by what they heard. 
"Following our meeting with Lieutenant Colonel McKeage, I am confident that no formal decision has been made with respect to infrastructure needs at the base," said Minister Lush. "Lieutenant Colonel McKeage assured Minister Kelly and me that renting space at the Gander airport is one option that has been put forward to his superiors at the Department of National Defence (DND)."

Ms. Kelly said: "During the meeting, we expressed our concern about any downgrading of military activity at 9 Wing and indeed expressed strong support for continued military presence in Gander. We sought assurances that DND's infrastructure management plan will not negatively impact the long term viability of the base. We also encouraged Lieutenant Colonel McKeage to look toward partnering with the College of the North Atlantic and the community to develop opportunities for training at the base."

9 Wing Gander provides full time search and rescue capabilities to the Newfoundland and Labrador region. The Cormorant helicopter has been chosen as Canada's new search and rescue helicopter and is expected to come into service in late 2001-2002. 9 Wing Gander is expected to receive three of the helicopters in 2002 and is constructing a new $3.3 million hanger extension to house the helicopters.

"I am pleased that 9 Wing will receive three new Cormorant helicopters which will enhance the ability of our search and rescue technicians to do their jobs more effectively," said Minister Lush. "The new $3.3 million hanger for the Cormorants demonstrates a long term investment in Gander."

A further meeting between the province and Lieutenant Colonel McKeage and Major General Lucas is scheduled for early August. Both ministers value the important relationship they have forged with the base and look forward to maintaining an effective and cooperative dialogue with the new commander of 9 Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Peter McKeage.

Media contacts:
Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1341
Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-5730.

2001 07 13                                                   12:40 p.m.