Government has not received any notice of a German withdrawal at CFB Goose Bay

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush said the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has not received notice that the German Government intends to withdraw from the military flight training program at Goose Bay.

Mr. Lush stated, "Our information is the German Government wrote to the Department of National Defense indicating it is divesting all of their foreign military assets over the next two years, including Goose Bay. However, the letter does not provide any indication whatsoever that the German Air Force is unwilling to enter into negotiations toward an agreement to replace the current MOU which expires February 2006."

The minister pointed out that the Allied flight training partners have consistently voiced their satisfaction with the facilities and training available to them at CFB Goose Bay. "It is important to remember that the Allies have stressed that decisions related to changes in military training activity at Goose Bay are based on their own operational and budgetary requirements, and are not related to any dissatisfaction with the operation of the base," the minister said.

The federal and provincial governments are aware that the current training opportunities at CFB Goose Bay need to be enhanced and subsequently established a federal/provincial Goose Bay Marketing Committee in March 2003. This committee has been active in identifying initiatives that will meet the needs of all those involved in the flight training program.

"Because of the changing needs and technology, foreign military training will be structured much differently than the current program and we will work hard with all stakeholders, including the Marketing Committee, DND, and the foreign military to develop training programs that meet the needs of current and potential new training partners. The provincial government will continue to work diligently with the federal government and the military to find new opportunities that will ensure the future of the base," the minister stated.

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

2003 09 03                                         2:10 p.m.