Advocating for SAR

The Town of Gander and the provincial government are both committed to advocating for increased resources for search and rescue (SAR) operations in Gander - they're just of differing opinions on how to do it.

This became clear following the release of a letter received by the Town in April from Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Dave Denine.

In the letter, Minister Denine wrote the provincial government will continue to advocate for increased resources based in Gander in order to improve response times for SAR missions.

However, councillors were concerned over the following statement in Minister Denine's letter.

"As you know, we have also asked the federal government to consider stationing SAR assets at St. John's. However, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been clear and consistent in its position that any increase (sic) SAR capacity in St. John's must not come by way of reductions in Gander, but must be additional to the resources stationed at 103 Squadron."

Deputy Mayor Zane Tucker said improved SAR capabilities should not be focused solely on St. John's.

"If there's any extra money being spent by the federal government, it should be to enhance our own squadron to give protection to all the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and not just the offshore community in St. John's."

Coun. Doug Foley, chair of the economic and social development committee, said while the provincial and federal government appear committed to having 103 Squadron maintain its current resources, he questioned the merit of advocating for increased resources in St. John's at the expense of the remainder of the province.

"We believe 24-7 coverage with a 30-minute response time around the clock would serve the entire region a lot better than, say, Gander having the same level of service now and a small offshoot base in St. John's."

Minister Denine said the provincial government has had a number of meetings with Minister of Defence Peter MacKay where the issue of SAR response times has been discussed.

"We're always continuously trying to improve the response times, and we're always in conversation with the federal government on these issues and bring it to their attention."

As for the Town's concerns regarding what resource allocation would best serve the entire province, Minister Denine said any resources brought to St. John's would benefit people involved in the fishery, as well as oil and gas.

"We look at this as a complement to Gander, and we certainly won't be lobbying to the detriment of Gander."

From discussions with Minister MacKay, Minister Denine said he concludes the Department of National Defence is satisfied with response times for SAR in the province.

"We'll continue to lobby the federal government for this, and we're not going to give up on it. We feel that enhanced SAR for Newfoundland and Labrador is a priority," added Minister Denine.

The Town intends to follow up on the letter from Minister Denine to reinforce its points with the province.

While Coun. Foley does not believe the federal government currently intends to increase SAR capabilities in the province, he is hopeful the review being carried out by the defence committee in Ottawa will offer positive recommendations for government to consider.

Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor MP Scott Simms and St. John East MP Jack Harris both sit on the committee.

info@ganderbeacon.ca