Executive Council
Transportation and Works
Fisheries and Aquaculture
October 2, 2015

Enhancing Safety of Families and Communities

New Water Bomber Increases Province's Firefighting Capacity

The newest addition to the province's water bomber fleet has been successfully delivered to Newfoundland and Labrador and will be stationed permanently in Gander. The Bombardier CL-415 water bomber, supported by a $17.7 million investment for the final payment in Budget 2015, completes the Provincial Government's fleet renewal valued overall at $150 million.

"This latest addition to the water bomber fleet, which completes the renewal of the province's fleet, is the result of setting strategic priorities to increase capacity to fight forest fires in our province and ensure the safety and well-being of residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This is an important investment made on behalf of the people of the province that brings our water bomber fleet into the 21^st century."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador's water bomber fleet now consists of five Bombardier CL-415 water bombers. They are larger and faster than the previous CL-215s and include state-of-the-art electronics and turbine engines.

"The addition of another state-of-the-art water bomber to the provincial fleet ensures better protection for communities and families from the threat of forest fires. This $150 million investment is an example of government's strategic investments in infrastructure. The return comes in the form of economic diversification, which assists with population growth in communities across the province, and safe and reliable transportation networks for all residents."
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works

The new CL-415 water bomber will be stationed in Gander, one of five bases for the fleet along with Wabush, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Deer Lake and St. John's.

"The addition of this aircraft is a vital component of the successful management of forest fires in Newfoundland and Labrador. Acquiring this additional aircraft demonstrates that the Provincial Government is proactive inits responsibility for the protection of our province's forest resources."
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency

Through Budget 2015, the Provincial Government is investing $317.9 million in priority infrastructure projects which includes $17. 7 million as the final payment upon delivery of the CL-415 water bomber.

QUICK FACTS

• The newest addition to the province's water bomber fleet has been successfully delivered. The CL-415 Bombardier will be stationed in Gander and increase forest firefighting capacity across Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Budget 2015 allocated $17.7 million as the final payment upon delivery of the water bomber, marking the complete renewal of the fleet.
• The overall investment to renew the fleet to better protect families and communities from the threat of forest fires is $150 million.
• Through Budget 2015, the Provincial Government is investing $317.9 million in priority infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, ferries and wharf infrastructure.

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2015 10 02                              11:10 a.m.