Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus says he’s getting mixed messages about the air cadet glider program at the Iroquois Falls Airport from the Department of National Defence.
He notes that DND said it’s only for maintenance reasons that it took the glider and the winch to Trenton. But that was the same line when it shut down the Thunder Bay program.
“I’m pushing the department to come clean with us,” Angus states. “What is the future for the glider program at Iroquois Falls and how do we make sure that we keep this vital service available for the young people from across the north? They love it. It makes such a difference for them.”
The Iroquois Falls program goes back to the 1970s. Angus notes that it’s always been run by volunteers, and a lot of cadets who participated went on to become pilots.
“I know what bureaucracy’s like,” the New Democratic MP remarks. “I know they probably figured it’s probably a hassle, some small place in Northern Ontario, but this small place in Northern Ontario makes a huge difference for generations of young people.”
Angus says he will pressure DND for answers, as well as the defence minister, once the prime minister appoints a new one.