Intergovernmental Affairs Minister comments on meeting 
with Base Commander of 9 Wing Gander

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush met with Base Commander Lt.Col Peter McKeage and officials of 9 Wing Gander on Friday, April 11.

Minister Lush said today: "We took the opportunity to review a number of issues of mutual interest. We had an in-depth discussion on the operation of 9 Wing Gander, and tried to ascertain ways we can enhance the operation of the base in Gander."

The minister pointed out the positive impact the base has on the area economy. "The base is very important to the local economy as it is one of the largest employers. The base has an operational budget of $8 million, a payroll of $2 million, it contributes $370,000 in fees to the Gander Airport Authority, and $300,000 in taxes to the town of Gander. For those reasons alone, we have to do all we can to maintain and enhance 9 Wing Gander, along with the military presence in all areas of Newfoundland and Labrador."

Minister Lush noted that military bases across Canada continue to be scaled back. Since 1996-97 the province has seen a significant reduction in the number of military personnel posted to Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1996-97 there were 743 regular forces personnel, 461 civilian, and 966 reservists employed by DND in this province, whereas in 2001-02 only 540 regular and 121 civilians were employed. The number of reservists did increase to 1,331. "Because of this, we have to continue our ongoing efforts to develop a closer working relationship with the military in this province and we must continue to aggressively lobby the federal government to commit to a larger military presence here especially since Newfoundlanders and Labradorians make up of approximately 10 per cent of the military while only 1.1 per cent of the defence budget is spent in this province. Some progress is being made as indicated by the recent commitment by the federal Minister of National Defence to establish a federal/provincial marketing committee for the Allied Low Level Flight Training Program and 5 Wing Goose Bay."

The minister intends to review Friday�s meeting with his officials with a view to holding a follow up meeting in the near future with military officials, ACOA Minister Gerry Bryne, the federal Defence Minister, and our members of Parliament.

Media contact: Tom Hann, Communications, (709) 729-1341

2003 04 14                                        4:15 p.m.