Significant search and rescue resolution on dedicated air resources for Labrador passed at Liberal National Convention
NCC is extremely pleased about today’s passing of a very important search and rescue resolution at the 2023 Liberal National Convention.
Submitted by the Burin, Trinity, Bonavista Electoral District Association (EDA) and presented by Merv Wiseman, a long-time search and rescue expert in NL, the resolution was titled “5-Wing Goose Bay be designated primary Search & Rescue base with dedicated air resources.” It stated:
“Whereas, Labrador represents one of the largest regions in Canada without dedicated surface or aeronautical SAR resources;
Whereas, the 2021 Commission of Inquiry into Ground SAR and Missing Persons identified air resources lacking and furthermore recommended remedial measures;
Whereas, the NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) sighted to the Inquiry the lack of dedicated air and surface resources in Labrador as one of the most serious SAR deficiencies facing its residents;
Whereas, the 2018 Senate report, entitled “When Every Minute Counts” identified the lack of air resources in Labrador and adjacent Northern areas and recommended viable solutions;
Whereas, 5-Wing Goose Bay (444 DND Squadron) represents a world class military and civilian air base and is strategically located as a gateway to the North and well positioned to provide SAR services to adjacent areas in a rapidly developing Northern region, and
Whereas, the Minister of National Defense (PR, August 6, 2022) announced 5-Wing Goose Bay as one of the four NORAD air bases to receive funding from its 20-year commitment of $38.6 billion in modernization air defense up-grades.
Be it resolved that the LPC urges the Government of Canada to immediately implement measures under its DND mandate to designate 5-Wing Goose Bay as a dedicated SAR air base, and
Be it further resolved, SAR air resources such as the designated SAR Cormorant helicopter be included in the DND NORAD $38.6 billion modernization commitment assigned to the 5-Wing air base in support of SAR for Labrador and adjacent Northern areas of Canada.”
Nakummek to Merv and the Bonavista, Burin, Trinity EDA for putting forward this resolution and we thank the Liberal Party of Canada for passing it. This resolution has the potential to significantly and positively impact search and rescue efforts in NunatuKavut and throughout Labrador.
NCC strongly supported the development of this resolution. We will continue to push for a modern, world-class search and rescue system for NunatuKavut to help ensure the health, safety and well-being of NunatuKavut Inuit.