(October 10, 2024, St. John’s, NL)
PC Shadow Minister Responsible for Forestry and Agriculture, Pleaman Forsey (MHA, Exploits), is expressing serious concerns regarding the uncertainties surrounding the newly announced Atlantic Wildfire Centre.
Forsey's remarks come in response to the Furey Liberals recent photo op in Gander, which featured another re-announcement of the government's intention to repair the province's fifth water bomber, damaged since 2018. Additionally, the government has issued vaguely worded Requests for Proposals for new equipment and a campus design concept.
"We all remember the forest fires in Central Newfoundland that led to a state of emergency in 2022," said Forsey. "This past summer, Labrador faced evacuation orders as fires threatened towns. The fifth water bomber has deteriorated in a hangar for six years. The government proposed selling it, repairing it, then selling it again. Last May, the former Minister was non-committal about future plans after issuing a Request for Qualifications in February. The government's flip-flopping on this issue has made it difficult to keep track of their intentions."
He further pointed out that no other Atlantic provinces were present at the "Atlantic Wildfire Centre" announcement, raising questions about their willingness to fund and participate in the Centre.
"This government loves photo ops, but after six years of neglecting that water bomber, it's hard to take them seriously regarding forest fire management. There is no cost-sharing agreement with the other provinces. The federal funds the government is now using were announced back in 2022. Why have they allowed this money to sit idle for four years while other provinces have moved forward?" Forsey asked.
"This announcement lacks specific details and definitive timeframes. Before we have any more photo ops and re-announcements, can we please focus on getting our fifth water bomber repaired and back in service?"
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