Investments in Fire Protection Enhance Safety for Communities and Families

Happy Valley-Goose Bay Fire Department to Receive New Firefighting Equipment

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, through almost $13,000 in funding from the Provincial Government, will purchase four new self-contained breathing apparatuses, also known as SCBAs. The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville, to make the announcement at the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Fire Department today.

“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to work with communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to enhance fire protection services for residents. The new investment announced today will allow fire fighters to better fight indoor fires and will ensure they have reliable equipment to protect themselves on the job.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for FES-NL

Through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, the Provincial Government has allocated approximately $380,000 for new firefighting equipment this year. Over 30 communities will benefit from this new funding.

“The Happy Valley-Goose Bay Fire Department provides an essential service to the people of Labrador. They are well trained and quite capable to provide fire protection services for residents. Today’s announcement is good news for the department. I sincerely appreciate Minister Kent taking the time to visit the community and show the fire department his appreciation and commitment to the fire services first-hand.”
- Keith Russell, MHA for Lake Melville

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The total cost of the four new self-contained breathing apparatuses is $19,352.99. The Provincial Government will contribute 70 per cent toward the purchase, for a total of $12,947.59.
• Since 2003, over $1 million has been invested in firefighting equipment and new emergency response vehicles in Labrador.
• Since 2010, over 300 requests to cost-share firefighting equipment have been approved throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, valued at more than $3 million.
• There are approximately 6,000 volunteers supporting approximately 280 fire departments province-wide.

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2013 11 29                                     1:40 p.m.