Canadian defence spending boost could mean big things for Labrador, says MP

Defence spending in Canada is getting a boost, which could mean big things for a military base in central Labrador, hopes the region's new MP.

In June, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced $9.3-billion for this year's Department of National Defence budget, which would meet NATO's two per cent of the country's gross domestic product spending target. This week, Carney joined NATO leaders in a promise to increase defence spending to five per cent of the GDP over the next decade.

Newly minted Labrador MP Philip Earle said people in the region know of its strategic importance. Happy Valley-Goose Bay is the home of the 5 Wing Goose Bay air base.

"I think we know that it is more important than ever before to have that strategic location, to have that presence," Earle told CBC Radio's Labrador Morning.

Earle said he has raised the importance of the base's strategic location, and that the prime minister is aware.

"Goose Bay will continue to play the strategic role that it's played for more than 50 years," Earle said. "I think we'll see more investment here … fitting into that greater piece around Arctic sovereignty and Canada holding its place in the world."

Earle said sacrifices will have to be made to reach NATO spending goals.

"It's important for us to play that integral role, but I think we can do it by pulling on different levers," he said, pointing to the critical minerals in Canada that can help the economy.

Earle wants 5 Wing Goose Bay to carry on the role it's played for years, including as a local employer and in the defence of Canada.

"My vision is for it to hold that position forevermore," he said.

'Threats on our sovereignty'

Speaking at Expo Labrador last week, Premier John Hogan commented on the recent threats made to Canada's sovereignty.

WATCH |  This Labrador politician sees an opportunity that combines Canada's security and a local investment: 

Labrador MP says 5 Wing Goose Bay military base should land some of the $9B boost in defence spending

12 hours ago

Duration 1:25

In June, Prime Minister Mark Carney promised money that would help meet Canada’s NATO spending target of 2 per cent. Even more recently, Carney joined NATO leaders with a promise to spend five per cent of Canada’s GDP on defence over the next decade. Labrador MP Philip Earle says there is a strategic location where some of the money should go. The CBC’s Elizabeth Whitten reports.

Soon after Donald Trump was re-elected to the White House, he began calling for Canada to become the country's 51st state.

"There are threats on our sovereignty as we've seen, and what's happening in the world today, I mean, minute by minute, it's changing," said Hogan, pointing to tensions in the Middle East as well as Trump's shifting trade war.

While at the first ministers' meeting in June, Hogan said he touted 5 Wing Goose Bay's importance.

"I highlighted and will continue to champion 5 Wing Goose Bay as a strategic location that could offer expanded northern defence capabilities to ensure Arctic and Canadian sovereignty," he said.

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