The Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador continues to enjoy an open, strong and positive
working relationship with 5 Wing Goose Bay. The
Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs
stated today his conviction that the future of the
facility holds great promise.
"The Provincial Government has an
excellent working relationship with 5 Wing Goose Bay,"
said Minister Hickey. "This summer, work will continue
on the expenditure of some $1.9 million in federal
funding to improve hangars seven and eight and other
training infrastructure and we have a commitment on
behalf of NATO that exercises will be considered for
Goose Bay next year up until 2016 and that NATO will
work with the Canadian Forces on the planning of the
Ramstein Rover 2011 exercise at 5 Wing. This investment
in the infrastructure at the base will enhance 5 Wing's
ability to attract exercises by Canada's allies."
"We continue to work with the Federal
Government and other sovereign governments to ensure
that this military facility is fully utilized," said the
Honourable Dave Denine, Minister for Intergovernmental
Affairs. "We want to ensure military diversification and
sustainable long-term operation of 5 Wing Goose Bay.
This facility has valuable infrastructure and maximizing
the use of the base by the Canadian Forces and foreign
military is a provincial priority."
On November 23, 2009, the ministers
met with officials of 5 Wing and were told it was likely
that the base in Goose Bay would be selected as the
location for the NATO close air support/forward air
control (CAS/FAC) exercise during the 2010 training
season. On March 18, 2010, the Department of National
Defence informed the Provincial Government that due to
costs associated with the exercise and defence budget
reductions in many NATO countries, NATO had decided the
exercise would not be held at 5 Wing this year. The
exercise would instead be scaled back and conducted at
an undisclosed United States base that is within close
proximity of three aircraft squadrons.
Minister Hickey took the opportunity
to respond to recent comments by the Leader of the
Official Opposition that attempt to cast doubt on the
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's ongoing
efforts to secure 5 Wing's future.
"Unfortunately, the Opposition Leader
misrepresents the facts," said Minister Hickey. "The
Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and I continue to
have meaningful and constructive dialogue with the
Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Peter
MacKay, having just recently met with the minister in
mid-March. In May we had meetings with the Ambassadors
of Germany and the Netherlands, a delegation from
Israel, and officials from the United States Embassy. We
also enjoy a close working relationship with 5 Wing and
are in constant communication. This government has been
unwavering in its commitment to 5 Wing. We believe it is
strategically essential to this country's defence and we
will continue to work to secure its future for the
long-term."
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