St. John’s, NL (September 17, 2024)

Pleaman Forsey, PC Shadow Minister for Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Exploits, is condemning the Liberal government’s failure to repair a vital water bomber that has been out of service since 2018. Newfoundland and Labrador are currently operating with only four CL-415 water bombers, leaving the province vulnerable during forest fire season.

“Since 2018, this government has flip-flopped on fixing the water bomber, and now we’re facing another fire season without adequate resources,” said Forsey.

“After the state of emergency in Central Newfoundland in 2022 and evacuations this past summer in Labrador, this inaction is putting communities at risk.”

Forsey noted the Furey Liberals have flip-flopped between fixing it, selling it, and now fixing it again. This indecision highlights a disconnect from the critical issues facing rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

“While the Furey Liberals boast about creating Forest Fire Centres of Excellence, they can’t even manage basic responsibilities like maintaining their existing equipment.  Media reports show that they don’t have financial commitment from the other three Atlantic provinces.  If they can’t handle this, how can they claim leadership in Atlantic Canada?  Has a tender to repair the water bomber even been issued?” asked Forsey.

Forsey also highlighted concerns over staffing shortages, warning the lack of planning could leave the province short on personnel for next year’s fire season.

“The decision on this fifth water bomber should have been made years ago.

The people of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve better than the Liberal government’s ongoing failure to address this critical issue impacting the safety of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”