First Firefighting Vehicles from Budget 2011 Announced for Labrador

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, today announced the communities of Northwest River and Labrador City will receive new firefighting vehicles this coming spring.

“I recognize the challenges faced by municipalities and local service districts throughout the province in acquiring these large pieces of important equipment,” said Minister O’Brien. “In this past budget, the Provincial Government provided an unprecedented level of funding to modernize the municipal firefighting fleet. The number of requests before us is plenty, but we remain committed to making the necessary investments to help provide the best level of service possible for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Labrador City and Northwest River have both requested new pumper trucks to service their communities.

“The commitment of the women and men of the fire service is to be commended and their dedication to the people of Northwest River is admirable,” said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs and MHA for Lake Melville. “Today’s announcement adds to the Provincial Government’s efforts under the Northern Strategic Plan objective for improved emergency response in Labrador and I am pleased our government continues to make efforts to ensure our firefighters have the appropriate tools to protect themselves.”

Public tenders for the new vehicles will be let this summer, with delivery expected to begin in 2012. Northwest River will avail of the 90/10 cost-share arrangement with the Provincial Government to purchase the equipment. Labrador City will take advantage of a 70/30 cost-share arrangement based on the community’s population.

“It is of the utmost importance that our volunteer firefighters be provided with the best equipment available in carrying out their duties and responsibilities,” said Jim Baker, MHA for Labrador West. “I am very pleased to share in this good news for the town of Labrador City and its residents. This is yet another example of our Provincial Government’s continued support for municipal services in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provides a historic investment in the municipal fire service. An investment of $3.9 million has been allocated for new firefighting vehicles, as well as a continued $1 million allocation to fund equipment needs to assist communities. With the addition of a new Provincial Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit to acknowledge the commitment of the men and women in the volunteer fire service, the Provincial Government has allocated more than $6 million towards the municipal fire service this year.

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2011 06 16                                                                                     11:45 a.m.