I rise today to express my pleasure that the 5 Wing Goose Bay Military Base has been cleared by an environmental assessment to engage in chaff and flare activities. Chaff measures are meant to simulate an aircraft. Chaff packages are released, burst open, and act as a decoy to radar seeking missiles. Flare measures create an intense heat that is used to confuse missiles with infrared tracking. This environmental clearance means that practicing aircraft can now use these defensive countermeasures.

I would like to recognize the support of the Upper Lake Melville area of Labrador for this project. Concerned citizens have promoted the use of chaff and flares as another aircrew training option in air defense countermeasures. Parliamentary Secretary for Labrador Affairs, MHA John Hickey, is a strong advocate for increased foreign military training at 5 Wing Goose Bay. He too should be acknowledged for his dedication to the interests of his constituents.

Chaff and flares training measures will present increased opportunities and will make the base more appealing in attracting potential clients. These measures will meaningfully contribute to further activity in foreign military flight training at 5 Wing Goose Bay. It is anticipated that half of the sorties flown at 5 Wing will deploy chaff and flares once the opportunity is provided.

Updated services and military training opportunities will encourage ongoing allied training at 5 Wing Goose Bay. This will have a positive impact on the socio-economic environment of the Labrador region, ensuring continued employment at the military base. Moreover, military flight training has been, and will continue to be, carried out in an environmentally responsible manner.

As you know, Premier Williams has indicated that 5 Wing Goose Bay is one of his top priorities and he has worked very hard to ensure for the sustainability of the base. As a government, we are working diligently to ensure the base�s longevity for the future prosperity of Labrador and for the province as a whole.

As Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, I am proud of the recent outcomes with respect to 5 Wing, and look forward to continued success on the long term sustainability of this military base.

2004 11 24                                            2:20 p.m.