NLIS 3
February 3, 2005
(Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs)
Minister emphasizes significance
of 5-Wing Goose Bay to Senate committee
The Government of Canada must help ensure that
the 5-Wing Goose Bay military base is well-positioned to remain a significant
international training venue.
This was the message delivered by Trevor Taylor, Minister Responsible for
Labrador Affairs, today in St. John�s in an address to the Senate Standing
Committee on National Security and Defence.
�My presentation to the committee provided its members with an overview of the
military in our province and associated issues,� said the minister. �In
particular, I conveyed the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador�s concern
about the future viability of foreign military training at 5-Wing Goose Bay.�
Key recommendations made by Minister Taylor included that the Department of
National Defence (DND) continue to build partnerships with the province�s
education institutions, such as the Marine Institute. The minister also
recommended that the 103 Search and Rescue Squadron at 9-Wing remain stationed
in Gander. However, the focus of his recommendations centred on the future of
5-Wing Goose Bay.
�I pointed out some of 5-Wing Goose Bay�s many competitive advantages. There is
unrivaled air space. There is vastly different terrain. The base is much closer
to Europe than other bases in North America,� said the minister. �But, the fact
is that there are currently no training plans for 5-Wing when the 2005 season
ends. What training will take place as of April 2006? What will happen to the
people whose livelihood depends on the 5-Wing training program? The Government
of Canada must recognize that 5-Wing can be better used to meet its own
international defence and security needs.
�I made four key recommendations regarding 5-Wing Goose Bay. First, that the
Department of National Defence receive sufficient funds to grow the foreign
military flight training program. Second, that DND begin more training at 5-Wing
to meet the changing needs of Canadian and international forces. Third, that DND
engage in a focused marketing initiative for the base. And fourth, that the
Canadian Forces, where appropriate, conduct training activities with training
partners at 5-Wing,� said the minister. �The committee members listened, were
supportive and indicated that they would pass along this information to their
colleagues in Ottawa.�
John Hickey, MHA for Lake Melville, and Leo Abbass, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose
Bay, were also present to answer the committee�s questions. �I conveyed, in no
uncertain terms, that it is critically important for the Government of Canada to
commit to a positive future for 5-Wing Goose Bay,� said MHA Hickey. �Let there
be no doubt, Labrador is looking to the federal government to make a firm
commitment to a continued strong military presence in our area.�
Media contact:
Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-3733 or (709) 690-6047
John Hickey, MHA Lake Melville, (709) 896-3099
2005 02 03
3:10 p.m. |
