According to the air ambulance group for Central Newfoundland, both Liberal leadership candidates are in favour of creating an air ambulance base in Gander.

Chair Eugene Nippard says the current air ambulance situation creates longer wait times and does not make sense. He says a base in Central, with medical personnel, would help save more lives.

The group has been advocating for changes since March of 2018, and although they have gained some traction, they are still waiting on the government.

Nippard says he was pleased with the turnout and concern at their recent meeting—the first one since before the pandemic began.

He says the two liberal leadership candidates were passionate about the topic as well.

John Abbott took in the meeting virtually, but Andrew Furey spoke with Nippard afterward on the topic.

Nippard says Furey is a doctor, and he knows that time is a factor when it comes to medical emergencies.

He says John Abbott has been in politics for over 20 years, and he knows that it should have already been dealt with.