Ministers pleased with report on managing and marketing of 5 Wing Goose Bay

Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ernie McLean and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush are pleased with the report on the management of marketing of 5 Wing Goose Bay, released July 9, 2002 by the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance.

"The report made a number of key recommendations, all of which, if implemented, should provide increased stability for 5 Wing and the communities that economically depend on the military activities taking place there," said Minster McLean. "The base contributes significantly to the Upper Lake Melville area and the province as a whole, and it is important that we find ways to secure its future."

The committee completed its report after it invited and heard from several stakeholders, including the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Department of National Defence, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the Union of National Defence Employees, the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce, and the Member of Parliament for Labrador.

In its report, the committee recommends that DND:

a) find the best combination of Canadian Forces and allied training roles in light of the military potential of the facility;

b) examine alternative approaches to the management of the base, keeping in mind both the military and socio-economic roles of the base;

c) undertake these studies in a way that is appropriate, but also one that fully engages the province and the local communities in the spirit of partnership;

d) move the Goose Bay Management Office to Goose Bay; and

e) proceed with the Alternative Service Delivery contracting for site services, but not close off options that might emerge from recommendations a) and b).

"I have asked for an early meeting with John McCallum, Minister of National Defense, to discuss this report and other important issues related to Canada's military presence in our province," said Minister Lush. "The maintenance and expansion of the NATO flight training program in Labrador is a priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador which we will continue to vigorously pursue."

Media contact:

Bert Pomeroy, Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, (709) 896-8668

Janice Lockyer, Intergovernmental Affairs, (709) 729-1341

2002 07 17                          12:15 p.m.