The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is shocked that the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper has willfully disregarded another opportunity to strengthen defence presence at 5 Wing Goose Bay. The reaction came in light of the recent announcement of $500 million in funding to support the relocation of Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) from Ottawa to Trenton, Ontario. This announcement was released without fanfare just two days before the call of a federal election.

"Unfulfilled promises and a continuing lack of detail from the Federal Government on commitments made to the province for 5 Wing Goose Bay are not acceptable," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs. "This announcement regarding the commitment to move JTF 2 was made with an election all but official, giving more evidence that Mr. Harper�s barrage of funding announcements lately were just electioneering. It is clear that the Harper government does not recognize the value of 5 Wing and its opportunities for units such as JTF 2."

Minister Hedderson is appalled over the continued abandonment of 5 Wing and the people of Happy Valley-Goose Bay by the Federal Government. There have been two examples in recent weeks that clearly indicate that the Harper government has been neglecting 5 Wing Goose Bay. One is the recent funding announcement for infrastructure upgrades and the expansion of the Trenton base to accommodate the relocation of JTF 2. The other is the cancellation of the NORAD exercise two weeks ago, which would have seen 250 military personnel and three CF-18 fighter jets from 3-Wing Bagotville, Que., set up at the airbase in Labrador. These are both telling announcements that give strong proof the Federal Government is not working for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

On June 20, 2008, Minister Hedderson wrote to the Honourable Peter MacKay, Federal Minister of National Defence, to suggest 5 Wing Goose Bay as an ideal location for the potential relocation of JTF 2. Five attributes were listed in the letter that highlighted what 5 Wing could offer the task force. The base�s ample space and infrastructure, and strategic position for the overseas and northern deployments of units such as JTF 2 make it a logical choice for the relocation and one that cannot be rivaled by other installations across the country. While choosing to ignore the province�s letter, the Federal Government has proceeded to announce a costly relocation to Trenton, the logic of which is questionable given the infrastructure already available at 5 Wing.

"Given Peter MacKay is not only the Defence Minister but also the Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the JTF 2 decision is particularly galling," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs . "This was a golden opportunity missed for Minister MacKay to enhance defence presence in Atlantic Canada, the region he purports to represent. What is more, the price tag to locate JTF 2 at 5 Wing, with its vacant facilities just waiting for tenants, would be nowhere near the $500 million he has committed to Trenton."

During and since the 2006 federal election, the Federal Government has made and reaffirmed plans for 5 Wing Goose Bay in the context of new federal priorities to protect Canadian sovereignty and security. The Federal Government committed to a new rapid reaction army battalion and a new long range unstaffed aerial vehicle squadron for 5 Wing Goose Bay. None of these commitments have been fulfilled by Prime Minister Harper�s government.

"5 Wing is a remarkable facility and provides an abundance of opportunities for training for the Canadian Forces and foreign military," said Minister Hedderson, noting that this week Premier Danny Williams has, in writing, asked the leaders of the federal Conservative, Liberal and New Democratic Parties whether they would station JTF 2 at 5 Wing. "We now clearly see where Stephen Harper stands. The people of the province look forward to hearing from the other party leaders on what they would do to ensure a prosperous future for 5 Wing Goose Bay."

- 30 -

2008 09 12                                                     2:25 p.m.