News Release Archive
PREMIER--KINGSTON MOVE NO THREAT TO PEARSON CENTRE ----------------------------------------------------------------- Premier John Savage said today he has received assurances from the federal government that a decision to move a five-member peacekeeping unit from Ottawa to Kingston, Ont., does not pose a threat to the Pearson Peacekeeping Training Centre at Cornwallis. There had been speculation that the relocation of staff to Kingston meant the federal government no longer needed or supported the Cornwallis facility. The Nova Scotia government requested Ottawa to provide assurances that Cornwallis' role as an international peacekeeping centre would be maintained. Those assurances have been given in a letter to the premier from National Defence Minister David Collenette. "Mr. Collenette was very anxious to set the record straight. His letter makes it very clear that transferring staff from Ottawa to Kingston in no way threatens the future of the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre at Cornwallis," the premier said. The federal minister's letter states: "This is not a new organization. It is indeed unfortunate that some have suggested that simply by moving an already existing capability from Ottawa to Kingston in some way threatens or diminishes our government's commitment to the Lester B. Pearson Peacekeeping Training Centre at Cornwallis..." Mr. Collenette said his department will "continue to work with the Lester B. Pearson Canadian International Peacekeeping Training Centre." Premier Savage said it appears that some political opponents have attempted to raises doubts about the future of the Cornwallis facility through "fear and innuendo." The premier said Mr. Collenette has assured him that the relocation of staff from Ottawa to Kingston "in no way duplicates or conflicts" with the activities of the Nova Scotia training centre. In the past year more than 500 military and non-military personnel from 55 countries attended the Pearson centre. The facility employs 80 persons during training sessions. -30- Contact: David Harrigan 902-424-6600 trp August 06, 1996 - 9:27 a.m.