(July 12, 2023, St. John’s) – Pleaman Forsey, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister Responsible for Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Exploits, is raising grave concern over the current staffing levels for the provinces water bomber fleet.

“It has come to our attention that the staffing levels for our water bomber fleet is reaching a critical point. Just yesterday, the province was reduced to one available water bomber in Labrador as forest fires remain a huge concern for the Big Land,” said Forsey.

“Just last month we saw a power outage in Labrador due to forest fires burning in both Labrador and Quebec.”

The Official Opposition has raised the issue of staffing levels for the province’s water bomber fleet in both the legislature and in the public domain. The non-functioning fifth water bomber remains a significant concern.

“This Liberal government can’t continue to rely on luck as a forest fire strategy. Staffing our water bombers is an incredibly demanding job and this government continues to push staff to the point of exhaustion. Due to a lack of crew, there have been several times this summer where many of our water bombers simply couldn’t fly,” said Forsey.

“We are still early in the forest fire season and this government needs to get their act together and stop relying on luck.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca