Kean with Kennedy

The pleas coming out of Labrador West on the air ambulance issue have gotten the attention of Health Minister Jerome Kennedy.

USW president George Kean wrote a letter to Minister Kennedy (which appeared in last week's Aurora) and he received a call from the minister 24 hours later (March 26).

Kean met with Kennedy last Tuesday morning while he was in St. John's.

"I am very appreciative that the minister responded, and responded so quickly to my letter especially at such a very busy time," said Kean who'd met with the minister the day after the provincial government brought down its budget. "I had an hour-long meeting with him this morning (last Tuesday) and he seemed to be very sincere and listened to my concerns."

Wants a third plane

Kean explained to the minister in the meeting that the request from Labrador West, when it comes to air ambulance was about having an extra plane stationed at Wabush where it would available on a 24-hour basis seven days per week.

"I explained to him, although the air ambulance is now moved from St. Anthony to Goose Bay, that isn't what the people of Labrador West were after," said Kean. "We didn't ask that the air ambulance be moved out of St. Anthony, it was never our intention. We wanted the government to put a third air ambulance into the system."

Kean also pointed out how the mining companies in the area have been very supportive of services in the communities in which they operate, and he feels this critical issue will have the companies onboard again.

IOC support

"I had a discussion with Zoe Yujnovich [President and CEO, Iron Ore Company of Canada] and she indicated she is supportive of working with us on getting an air ambulance stationed here," said Kean. "So, while Minster Kennedy couldn't make a commitment for an air ambulance, he did agree to come into Labrador West to a meeting that I am going to chair on April 23."

A number of invites will go out to various people to attend the meeting including representatives from both town councils (Labrador City and Wabush) and managers within the mining industry.

"I think it's very good of him to come in and listen to us here in Labrador West," said Kean of the minister's scheduled visit. "While he made no commitment, he did indicate that this area has a great issue in regards to air ambulance and he is concerned for what has happened in the past."

Avenues available

Given that nothing extra was announced for a third air ambulance to be added to the province's medivac service, Kean says he will not give up on the quest to have one stationed at Wabush airport.

"I think there are still lots of avenues available to the government to do this for the people of Labrador West," he insisted. "We should be able to have an air ambulance here. I appreciate that he was willing to meet with me on this and I certainly appreciate that he is willing to come here and meet with the people to discuss it further."

Baker onboard

Local MHA Jim Baker said he spoke with Minister Kennedy after he met with Kean and the finance minister confirmed he would take the union leader up on his offer.

"Minister Kennedy told me he is coming in to the meeting George is arranging," said Baker. "And that doesn't surprise me at all; especially after a man was killed in an industrial accident just recently."

Baker said Kennedy asked him arrange for a public forum possibly for the evening he arrives in Labrador West (April 22) as he would like to give the people of the area an opportunity to come forth and discuss their concerns as well.

"I will be working with both Towns on this and I am looking forward to taking part in the meeting and the public forum myself," said Baker. "I think it's good of him to come in for sure. This speaks to the kind of minister we have-he is fair minded and willing to listen."