Minister urges Ottawa to protect and increase jobs at 5-Wing Goose Bay

Trevor Taylor, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, today expressed concern about the federal government�s announcement Tuesday that it plans to cut 23 jobs at the 5-Wing Goose Bay military training base. The Department of National Defence (DND) announcement came hours after a delegation of Labradorians met in St. John�s with Minister Taylor and Premier Danny Williams to discuss the need for Ottawa to preserve and attract training contracts from military allies.

"I am disappointed that Ottawa announced its plans to cut jobs at 5-Wing on the very day of our meeting to discuss protecting and increasing them," said Minister Taylor. "Premier Williams has spoken with Prime Minister Martin about the importance of 5-Wing and, while we understand the need for the base to be competitive, this announcement drives home the need for united action."

The minister is encouraged by Tuesday�s discussions in St. John�s with members of the Goose Bay Citizens Coalition (GBCC). Premier Williams hopes to lead a delegation of GBCC representatives to Ottawa later this month to discuss the future of the base with Prime Minister Paul Martin and the Minister of National Defence, David Pratt.

Minister Taylor added: "In light of our meetings with the GBCC, I hope that DND will consider deferring any job cuts until we have a strategic plan for increasing use of the base."

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-3733

2004 01 07                                       3:15 p.m.