The Moose Jaw Regional Economic Development Authority (REDA) is sending a community representative to Ohio to investigate potential economic development opportunities and employment training programs for the NATO Flying Training Centre (NFTC) at a similar aviation-training program in Dayton.

The Honourable Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced a $4,500 contribution from WD to cover costs for the trip. If this preliminary work finds business opportunities and employment training programs in Dayton that could be adapted for Moose Jaw, a more in-depth investigation of those opportunities may be pursued.

This contribution builds on existing support from WD announced in July 1999. To ease the impact of reductions in operations at Canadian Forces Base 15 Wing Moose Jaw and its transition to operations as a NATO Flying Training Centre (NFTC), WD provided $4 million in funding to 12 Moose Jaw projects focused on local small business, arts and culture, post-secondary students, the environment and tourism.

"The WD contribution will help the City of Moose Jaw help itself by allowing it to take the initiative and investigate further business and job creation opportunities as a result of the transition at 15 Wing,</>" said Mr. Duhamel. "This contribution highlights our commitment and, the Government of Canada's commitment, to skills development and training for young people. We also encourage partnering on training initiatives and economic development opportunities to keep Western Canadian companies competitive and our economy strong."

Bombardier will be leading the NFTC program. About 200 to 300 employees moving over to the NFTC from 15 Wing will be able to retire within the next five years. This provides a significant opportunity to investigate, develop and implement training that will fill the staffing needs of the NFTC partners.

"There are good opportunities for partnerships between Moose Jaw educational facilities and 15 Wing," said Moose Jaw REDA Board Director Al Schwinghamer. "High-quality training and employment opportunities enable young people in the region to start careers in Moose Jaw."

The February 1994 federal budget announced closures and reductions affecting a number of Canadian Forces bases across Canada. At that time, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) was designated as the federal department responsible for assisting communities affected by base reductions in Western Canada.

On Nov. 4, 1997, the federal government announced a 20-year contract with Bombardier, to provide services in support of NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) in Moose Jaw.

WD worked with key community organizations, DND, federal and provincial agencies and city representatives to form the Moose Jaw Economic Development Committee in May 1998. The committee worked together to assess the community's needs and identify initiatives with the strongest potential to generate economic growth. Committee members also recommended eligible projects and the funding levels for each project.

WD's contribution is an example of how the federal government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars. Funding for the initiative was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

For additional information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 975-5942

James Leier
Director of Economic Development
Moose Jaw Regional Economic Development Authority
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
(306) 693-7332