Transportation and Works
Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Natural Resources
March 26, 2014

Enhancing Safety for Communities and Families

Budget 2014 Supports Purchase of two New Water Bombers

To better protect communities and families from the threat of forest fires, the Provincial Government is purchasing two new Bombardier 415 water bombers. The purchase, which is valued at a list price of US$73.7 million and includes a Budget 2014 investment of $11.7 million, ensures that the necessary equipment is in place to provide effective and efficient aerial forest fire suppression services for many years.

“Our government has made a firm commitment to building our forest fire capacity in Newfoundland and Labrador. As reflected by today’s major announcement we are fulfilling that commitment to replace decades-old water bombers with new state-of-the art infrastructure that strengthens our ability to protect communities and residents from the threat of forest fires.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works

The first of the two Bombardier 415 water bombers, which were announced today by Minister McGrath at the Gander International Airport, will be delivered in spring 2014 and the second will be delivered in September 2015.

“Bombardier has enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. We are proud of the confidence that the government has placed in Bombardier Aerospace and in our aircraft products, thus reaffirming the continued demand for this unique aircraft.”
- Michel Bourgeois, President, Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft and Military Aviation Training, Bombardier Aerospace

Furthermore, Bombardier will continue to work closely with all public and private stakeholders to support Newfoundland and Labrador’s efforts to develop a strong and internationally competitive aerospace industry.

“This investment into new water bombers is another positive step forward in growing the aerospace industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. The addition of the water bombers will strengthen provincial infrastructure and fire protection services and builds on our government’s relationship with Bombardier and overall effort to build a vibrant, diversified economy.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development

Upon arrival of the first plane, Newfoundland and Labrador’s fleet of forest fire suppression air craft will consist of four Bombardier 415 water bombers, one CL-215 water bomber, and one Cessna spotter. The second water bomber will replace the CL-215 and bring greater capacity to suppress forest fires. The fleet is positioned in five bases (Wabush, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Deer Lake, Gander, and St. John’s).

“Our fire suppression staff do a tremendous job of protecting our residents, communities and the forest resource throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The addition of the new water bombers complement our current firefighting resources and they are a welcome addition to our fleet.”
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency

In Newfoundland and Labrador, on average there are 80 to 100 forest fires annually that need to be suppressed through aerial and ground efforts.

“This is a considerable investment in integral infrastructure and ensures that we are well-positioned to minimize risk to provincial resources. While the permanent base of operations is in Gander, the air craft will be strategically located during forest fire fighting season. They will benefit the entire province.”
- Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for Gander

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• To better protect communities and families from forest fires, the Provincial Government is purchasing two new Bombardier 415 water bombers.
• The transaction, which is valued at a list price of US$73.7 million, ensures that the necessary equipment is in place to provide effective and efficient aerial forest fire suppression services for many years.
• Upon arrival of the first plane, Newfoundland and Labrador’s fleet of forest fire suppression air craft will consist of four Bombardier 415 water bombers, one CL-215 water bomber, and one Cessna spotter. The second water bomber will replace the CL-215 and bring greater capacity to suppress forest fires.

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2014 03 26                                               9:30 a.m.