The provincial government’s newly-announced Atlantic Wildfire Centre is raising more questions than answers for the opposition critic.
Premier Andrew Furey provided details on the centre earlier this week in Gander.
The $32-million cost-sharing agreement between the province and the feds will cover several areas, including an RFP for the design of the campus and repairs to the province’s fifth waterbomber.
On those two points, MHA Pleaman Forsey has concerns. He calls it nothing more than a “photo-op” and re-announcement of the government’s intention to repair the waterbomber, which was damaged in 2018.
After what Forsey calls “six years of neglect” to the waterbomber, it is “hard to take (government) seriously regarding forest fire management.”
Our province’s dedicated forest firefighting professionals protect our forests, our communities, and our people. A new Atlantic Wildfire Centre in Central Newfoundland will help support their work providing wildfire fighting leadership and expertise, training, and prevention. pic.twitter.com/1ubU4GqV1r
— Andrew Furey (@FureyAndrew) October 7, 2024
Forsey also notes that no other provinces were present at the news conference, raising concerns about their willingness to fund and participate in the centre.
Premier Andrew Furey says other premiers are supportive of the concept.
“All the other premiers bought in right away that this should be a regional approach. I can see it as being supported by them. But we’re going to build this, they will avail of it, and I’m sure there will be some cost sharing involved,” told Furey.