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Gawronsky said Lifeflight planes tend to be smaller than private models, which allows them to land on smaller runways and more quickly transfer some patients. And she argued privatizing water bomber operations could introduce new scheduling conflicts between Manitoba needs and those of other private contracts.

“At a time when Manitoba might need them the most, they could be sitting over in B.C. or Alberta, fighting a fire over there,” she said.

The province said the outcome of the RFP will determine how the change affects government jobs in the branch, which currently employs about 70 MGEU members.

NDP leader Wab Kinew also argued the services should remain public.

“To me, a life-and-death emergency like that should be the highest priority for a government to protect,” said Kinew.

Kinew also accused his political opponents of trying to downplay the RFP by posting it on a July Friday and in the midst of a St. Boniface byelection blackout period that limits what the province can comment upon.

Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler didn’t grant an interview request Friday. In an email, Schuler said that if a private contract is approved, it will save money while also ensuring safety standards are maintained.

The minister said a review of the air services branch determined that “more consistent service is possible if the service is contracted out and the assets are sold.”

“This decision is not just about saving money; this is about assuring and developing a plan that includes properly staffed, consistent air service that is safe and secure for when Manitobans need it,” wrote Schuler.

The province said 50% of government air services are already privately run and air services branch aircraft often remain idle or in storage 60% of the time.

The province said the sale and leases of aircraft will depend on the exact proposals the RFP attracts.

MGEU says its members were told the request for proposals will accept responses until the end of August.

jpursaga@postmedia.com

Twitter: @pursagawpgsun