The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Transportation and Works, announced today that the Provincial Government will invest in a new air ambulance. The aircraft will be used for services currently being provided by the Commander aircraft of Labrador Grenfell Health.

"The time is right for the purchase of a replacement aircraft," said Minister Whalen. "The Commander is serving us well, but it is a 1985 model. Therefore, we are making the prudent decision to purchase a replacement to ensure continuity of service to the people of this province."

The Commander is headquartered in St. Anthony and, together with the King Air aircraft based in St. John�s, provides transportation for residents of the province in the event of health emergencies.

"The air ambulance in St. Anthony is an essential element of our emergency response system for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. "It is critical that we have a reliable aircraft to provide a timely response in the event of health emergencies. By starting this RFP process now, we are proactively ensuring the continued reliability of the service."

The Provincial Government is issuing a Request for Proposals to acquire the aircraft. The acquisition of either a new or used aircraft will be considered, with the stipulation that a used plane must be less than three years old and have less than 1,000 flying hours. The anticipated acquisition date is summer 2008.

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2007 12 06                                                      9:30 a.m.