David McGuinty

National Defence Minister David McGuinty says the federal government has received a proposal to turn the pulp and paper mill site at Crofton into a navy base, but made no commitments. McGuinty said similar offers are received “weekly” from across the country offering locations, assets and infrastructure to his department. …Greater Victoria remains the “most strategic location” for Canada when it comes to Pacific operations, said McGuinty. …Jeff Kibble, MP for Cowichan-Malahat Langford, has been campaigning for the federal government to consider a new base in Crofton to help ease future congestion at CFB Esquimalt. The Crofton site, which is up for sale following the closure of the Domtar pulp and paper mill, has both industrial capability and a deep-water port. …Rear-Admiral David Patchell, said that there are currently no plans for a second navy base in BC.

• In related news: MP calls for federal assessment of former Crofton mill property