What's the latest on airport transfers in Quebec ? Chart indicating progress of airport transfer in Quebec.

The federal government has taken positive steps to harmonize the Canadian transportation network with national needs, as we move into the 21st century.

In July 1994, the Minister of Transport announced a new National Airports Policy (NAP) setting out, for the first time, a comprehensive action framework clearly defining the role of the federal government with regard to airports. Under the NAP, the federal government retains its role as regulatory authority, but gives up its owner/operator role in favour of an owner/lessor role.

Canada needs a national airport network made up of safe, commercially viable airports. These airports must address the needs of the users and communities they serve, while ensuring that those who benefit most directly from their services or facilities pay their fair share of the costs

Airports owned and operated by local interests may now concentrate their efforts on commercialization and viability, to adapt service to local requirements. As regulator, Transport Canada will ensure the safety of the travelling public and contribute to the improvement of airport facilities.


National Airport System

The 26 airports that now handle 94% of Canadian air passengers and cargo make up the main airport network, which is known as the National Airport System (NAS). The federal government retains ownership of NAS airports, to guarantee the system's long-term integrity and viability. These airports are leased to Canadian Airport Authorities, made up of local interests who are responsible for financial and operational management of airports. NAS airports in the Quebec Region are:

Montreal International Airport (Dorval)*
Montreal International Airport (Mirabel)*
Jean-Lesage International Airport (Quebec)*

Remote Airports

According to the NAP, the federal government will continue to finance tje operation of 12 remote airports due to the need to maintain all year around accessibility. In the Quebec Region, the remote airports are :

• Chevery
• Eastmain
• Kuujjuaq
• Lourdes de Blanc Sablon
• Magdalen Islands
• Schefferville
• Waskaganish
• Wemindji

Regional-local airports

Regional-local airports provide scheduled passenger service but handle fewer than 200,000 passengers yearly. Ownership of these airports may be transferred according to the following priority: provincial and local governments; airport authorities; public organizations; and private firms. The new owners are free to establish terms and conditions for property management that best address community requirements. Regional-local airports in the Quebec Region are:

• Alma *
• Bagotville *
• Baie Comeau
• Gaspé *
• Havre St Pierre
• Mont Joli *
• Natashquan
• Rimouski *
• Rouyn *
• Sept Iles
• Val d'Or *

Small airports

Some 31 Canadian airports provide no scheduled air service. These airports serve local interests, such as general and recreational aviation. Like regional-local airports, these small airports have been offered to provincial and local governments, airport authorities, public organizations, and private firms. Small airports in the Quebec Region are:

• Charlevoix *
• Forestville *
• Rivière du Loup *
• Saint Jean   *
• Sherbrooke *
• St Hubert   *
• Trois Rivières *

* Airports transferred