The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, officially presented the CANSO, to Happy Valley-Goose Bay Mayor Leo Abbass today at the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Airport.

Minister Hickey said the town has been lobbying to bring the aircraft to the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay for years.

"Back when I was mayor of the town, our council felt it was very important to have this piece of history in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and I�m happy as Minister of Transportation and Works I could play a role in ensuring it happened," said Minister Hickey.

The CANSO was originally delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1944 to serve as a long-range flying boat and served two wartime tours. The Air Force disposed of it to private interests in Calgary in 1961 and a year later it was modified for Eastern Provincial Airways to fly passengers and cargo throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and other locales such as Greenland. From 1970 to 1974, Atlantic Aviation operated the aircraft as a waterbomber for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador until the province started its own provincial air service. The CANSO served in the provincial waterbomber fleet until it was retired in 1998 and it remains in excellent condition.

Mayor Abbass said with the town�s record of forest fires, the CANSO is a "part of the history here. The fact that we have it here on display is a wonderful addition to our town and for tourists. It�s another sight to take in."

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Photo #1 - John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works (left), presents the CANSO to Happy Valley-Goose Bay mayor Leo Abbass.