Mr. Speaker, it is 25 years since the Ocean Ranger commission recommended a fully equipped search and rescue helicopter be stationed at the St. John's airport and we are still waiting. Now Labradorians have learned that their search and rescue base will be empty for six weeks while the crew gets trained in Alberta.
The Minister of National Defence says it is not his problem. That is not acceptable to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, especially those who are now being asked to resume flying to work offshore after the tragedy two months ago.
When will the minister take responsibility and finally give the people of my province the search and rescue coverage that they need?