The provincial government is defending resources in Labrador to fight wildfires, despite assertions from the NDP that there has been “a massive downgrading” of services in the region.
The issue was raised in the House of Assembly yesterday as wildfires rage in Western Canada, including around Fort McMurray, Alta.
NDP MHA Jordan Brown says prior to 2018, Labrador had two waterbombers stationed there. Now, there is only one, which is in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
He says Labrador West is on track for a very dry and hot summer which will increase the risk of wildfires.
Brown’s ask is simple.
“I would like to have my waterbomber back,” he said. “That would be a great step forward, to give us back out waterbomber that was in Labrador West since the ’80s.”
Forestry Minister Elvis Loveless defends government’s current allocation.
“Firefighting and assessment and where our assets are is monitored on a daily basis,” he said, noting the fire season started May 1 on the island and this week in Labrador.
“We now have (that waterbomber) stationed in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, but if, from a risk perspective, it needs to be moved to Wabush or wherever the case may be, then that will be assessed, the staff will make that determination, and I will be involved to give the go-ahead.”