Opposition calls on government to give an update on water bomber staffing levels

    Monday, 24 June 2024 12:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Last year government reported having only 7 pilots available to staff 3 planes and have not issued a comprehensive update since then.

    Shadow Forestry Minister Pleaman Forsey is calling on government to give an update on the province’s water bomber staffing levels. Forsey highlighted that previously, government maintained 6 water bombers and 18 pilots. However, according to information released last July, that’s not the case. Last year government reported having only 7 pilots available to staff 3 planes and have not issued a comprehensive update since then. Forsey says “while Quebec and Ontario's assistance with battling blazes in Churchill Falls is appreciated, there are concerns regarding our own preparedness.” Forsey wonders if the province has the pilot and crew capacity to deploy all four planes simultaneously. 

     

     

     

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