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Municipal Affairs
July 20, 2011

Port au Choix, Baine Harbour, and Pouch Cove
to Receive New Firefighting Vehicles

As part of the Provincial Government’s historic investment in the municipal fire service, the communities of Port au Choix, Baine Harbour, and Pouch Cove will receive new firefighting vehicles.

“Members of fire departments throughout our province provide strong representation and selfless dedication to the communities they serve,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “These departments truly exemplify all that is great about Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Provincial Government is pleased to provide funding to assist the municipal fire service in protecting residents.”

Both Port au Choix and Pouch Cove will receive new firefighting rescue vehicles, while Baine Harbour will bring a new tanker truck into service.

“This is welcome news for the many communities served by the Baine Harbour Fire Department and their volunteers,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Burin - Placentia West. “Residents throughout the Burin Peninsula are familiar with the important emergency response work undertaken by municipal fire departments, especially after last year’s experience with Hurricane Igor. The dedication of fire department volunteers is unwavering and I congratulate them on this announcement.”

Public tenders for the new vehicles will be let this summer, with delivery expected in 2012. The communities will avail of the 90/10 cost-share arrangement with the Provincial Government to purchase the vehicles, based on the community’s population.

“This announcement for the Port au Choix Volunteer Fire Department marks an improvement in fire protection services on the Northern Peninsula,” said Wally Young, MHA for St. Barbe. “This new rescue vehicle will vastly improve the ability to respond to fires and other emergencies and will also provide a modernized means of training for those who dedicate their time to community safety.”

“A new fire rescue vehicle is great news for the communities served by the Pouch Cove Volunteer Fire Department,” said Kevin Parsons, MHA for Cape St. Francis. “Residents of Pouch Cove, Bauline, and Shoe Cove rely on the committed fire department volunteers when dangerous situations arise. The Provincial Government is making a concentrated effort to help our community fire departments provide residents with the assistance they may need in times of trouble.”

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provides $3.9 million 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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Media contacts:

Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca 
Janice Brushett
Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Clyde Jackman
MHA for Burin - Placentia West
709-891-5607
janicebrushett@gov.nl.ca 
Donna Ivey
Communications Manager
Government Members Office
709-729-0898, 697-1424
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
 

2011 07 20                                                                              9:35 a.m.

 
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