The Opposition says no applications have been received to fill a position recently vacated by the Chief Pilot at the province’s Air Services.

A letter released publicly last week indicates that water bomber pilots are concerned that Air Services may no longer be able to continue operations beyond June 29th if a qualified and approved Chief Pilot is not found.

Transportation Minister Barry Petten says the province is aware of the situation and is working on a solution, including labour market adjustments to attract applications and the possibility of support staff.

“We will get the right individual in place, and whatever we have to do to make it work, there may be more than market adjustment, there may be support staff as well. We need a Chief Pilot, I’m committed to doing that, and I’ll govern my way and not the way others want me to do it. And I’ll make sure we have a Chief Pilot in place to fight the upcoming fire season.”