No. Q002/05
For release March 31, 2005

TRANSFER OF BAIE-COMEAU AIRPORT TO THE MANICOUAGAN REGIONAL COUNTY MUNICIPALITY

BAIE-COMEAU, Quebec – The transfer of ownership of the Baie-Comeau Airport from Transport Canada to the Manicouagan Regional County Municipality (RCM) will allow the region to take greater advantage of its airport, announced today Transport Minister and Minister responsible for Eastern Quebec, Jean-C. Lapierre.

"The Manicouagan Regional County Municipality is to be congratulated for joining the move towards a new era of airport management in Canada", said Mr. Lapierre. "Taking over the ownership of the Baie-Comeau Airport will allow the RCM to be in a better position to respond quickly to the needs of the people in the area and tailor levels of service to local demands."

In addition to the ownership transfer, Transport Canada will contribute a total of $595,000. This contribution will be used to cover the cost of important maintenance that will contribute to the overall safety of users, based on priorities identified by the RCM.

The Baie-Comeau Airport is part of the regional-local airport category. Under the National Airports Policy, announced in July 1994, local interests are being offered the opportunity to assume ownership of small airports.

" The National Airports Policy allows local communities to take greater advantage of their airports, and attract new and different types of business", added Mr. Lapierre. "The better use of Canada’s infrastructure in this manner will ultimately provide a boost to commercial trade, tourism and regional development".

Following the operations transfer of today, the Baie-Comeau Airport will qualify for capital contributions under the Airport Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). ACAP allows eligible airports, to finance capital projects geared to improving safety, asset protection and to cutting operating costs.

Transport Canada continues to regulate the safe provision of air navigation services across the country. The department will also continue to enhance the safety and security at Canadian airports through aviation regulation and airport certification processes.

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