Premier leads provincial delegation to international air show to market 5-Wing Goose Bay

Premier Danny Williams and government officials will travel to Europe this week to attend the ILA International Aerospace Exhibition and Conference in Berlin, Germany. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador was invited by the Department of National Defense (DND) to participate in their booth at the trade show. The premier will also meet with defence officials from other European countries in an effort to market the base and secure future users.

"The marketing and future viability of 5-Wing Goose Bay has been one of the top priorities for our government," said Premier Williams. "During his first week in office, I met with Prime Minister Martin and Minister David Pratt of DND to impress up on them the importance of this base to the people and economy of Labrador and the province as a whole. The work of the province and the Goose Bay Citizen�s coalition has certainly been paying off with the announcement on March, 6, 2004 by Minister Pratt that the Government of Canada will ensure a foreign military flight training program through the expiration of the current MOU in early 2006. The Department of National Defence will absorb training costs incurred by partners beyond direct consumables, such as fuel and lodging. This will provide time for the province, DND and the community to develop a long-term strategic plan for 5-Wing Goose Bay."

The ILA Trade Show is the largest international air show in the heart of Europe with 1,067 booths from 41 countries. The show is held every two years and is internationally recognized as a high-profile event for industry, government and media.

"I am extremely encouraged that DND has invited Newfoundland and Labrador to participate as partners in this world-class air show," said Premier Williams. "I believe that this collaboration between DND and government speaks to our improved relationship with Ottawa and will serve to strengthen 5-Wing Goose Bay�s position as a world-class and feasible foreign military training site. Our efforts during this show will focus on presenting 5-Wing to numerous potential clients and highlighting the many advantages of training there, strengthening relationships with existing users and seeking new opportunities in both military training and related aerospace industries."

Joining Premier Williams on the delegation will be John Hickey, MHA for Lake Melville; Randy Ford union representative at 5-Wing Goose Bay and member of the Goose Bay Citizens Coalition, as well as government officials.

Meeting with key officials of member countries of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) are also being scheduled where the premier will discuss foreign over-fishing and responsible fishing practices outside of the two-hundred mile limit.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or 690-5500.

2004 05 07                                         2:45 p.m.