No. A002/06
For release March 9, 2006

THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
ANNOUNCES LABRADOR COAST AIRSTRIPS
RESTORATION PROJECTS FOR 2006-2007

St. John’s (NL) - Work will be done on three airstrips that provide a vital year-round transportation service for coastal communities in Labrador to make sure they are maintained to appropriate safety standards. Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, made this announcement today on behalf of Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

“These airstrips are vital for the economy and the movement of people and goods throughout Labrador,” said Mr. Hearn. “The maintenance of these airstrips is critical to ensure an essential year-round transportation link for residents and businesses in these communities.”

The Government of Canada will contribute $1,201,450 for restoration projects at airstrips in Hopedale, Black Tickle and Postville during fiscal year 2006-2007. The Government of Canada funding represents 100% of the cost to complete these projects. These projects are funded under the existing Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program. These airstrips are owned and operated by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We're very pleased with this much-needed investment from the Government of Canada," said Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. "We look forward to working with the federal government as we continue to improve the transportation infrastructure for the people of Labrador."

Under a 1982 Labrador Air/Marine Services Agreement, Transport Canada has an ongoing commitment to fund the Labrador Coast Airstrips Restoration Program. The primary objective of the Program is to restore the airstrips along the Labrador Coast to ensure the operational capability of the airstrips is maintained at the level necessary to meet Transport Canada Airport Certification requirements. Since 1983, the Government of Canada has invested close to $8 million in Labrador Coast airstrip restoration projects under this program. In April 2003, the Government of Canada announced that it would invest up to $5 million for the restoration of the Labrador Coast airstrips for the period of April 2003 to March 2008.

"These airstrips are an important component for the economic development of coastal communities in Labrador,” said Mr. Cannon. “The Government of Canada is committed to promoting reasonable access to the national transportation system for remote communities.”

A list and description of this year’s restoration projects is attached.

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BACKGROUNDER

LABRADOR COAST AIRSTRIPS RESTORATION PROGRAM

PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007

Hopedale Airstrip

Replacement of loader and blower, including the purchase of an ice scarifier attachment. This equipment will be used for runway maintenance and snow removal.

Replacement of Abbreviated Visual Approach Slope Indicator System (AVASIS) with abbreviated Precision Approach Path Indicator System (APAPI). The APAPI is an aid to assist pilots in landing safely during low visibility conditions.

Black Tickle Airstrip

Replacement of loader and blower, including purchase of ice scarifier attachment. This equipment will be used for runway maintenance and snow removal.

Postville Airstrip

Replacement of Abbreviated Visual Approach Slope Indicator System (AVASIS) with Abbreviated Precision Approach Path Indicator System (APAPI). The APAPI is an aid to assist pilots in landing safely during low visibility conditions.