The NDP MHA for Labrador West, who has long advocated for more forest fire resources in Labrador, is reiterating those calls following the announcement of an Atlantic Wildfire Centre in central Newfoundland.
The federal and provincial governments are establishing the new centre in Gander. Specifically, Jordan Brown is calling for the return of a waterbomber base in Wabush.
Brown says the creation of the facility in Gander is good for emergency preparedness, but it “does not replace a key asset for Labradorians to feel prepared against forest fires.”
Brown notes that only one waterbomber is assigned to Labrador. The other one, for Lab West, has been out of commission since 2018 awaiting repairs. Funds have been set aside in the cost-sharing agreement to repair the aircraft.
However, Brown says reinstating the Wabush base would ensure the bomber is based in the region.