No. P007/97
For release March 26, 1997

QUESNEL AIRPORT OFFICIALLY TRANSFERRED TO LOCAL INTERESTS

QUESNEL, B.C. -- Transport Minister David Anderson, today announced the official transfer of Quesnel airport from the federal government to the City of Quesnel.

"I would like to thank the employees for their hard work and dedication over the years in maintaining and operating this airport. Today, the airport employees along with the City begin a new era of airport management," said Mr. Anderson. "Having this airport run by the people who know their roles - and the potential for growth - will allow this airport to function in a more commercial and cost-effective manner."

"British Columbia is leading the way in transferring airports to local community interests," added Mr. Anderson. "Since 1995, 14 airports in B.C. have been transferred and 12 letters of intent have been signed to transfer B.C. airports into local hands."

Quesnel Airport is one of 70 Regional/Local airports, defined as having a scheduled passenger service of fewer than 200,000 a year for three consecutive years, and operated with federal involvement. Under the National Airports Policy, announced in July 1994, local interests have the opportunity to assume ownership of Regional/Local airports during a five-year period ending March 31, 2000.

Negotiations to transfer ownership of Quesnel airport began April 10, 1995 following the signing of a Letter of Intent by the City of Quesnel and Transport Canada. The Agreement to Transfer between the local community and Transport Canada was signed on February 13, 1997. With today's hand-over of the operations, the airport becomes eligible to apply for capital contributions under the new Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). ACAP will assist eligible airports in financing capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction.

A $386,000 contribution was provided to the City of Quesnel for the operation of the airport. This funding was provided for in the March 1997 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This initiative is an example of how the federal government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

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

The interests of Transport Canada employees affected by the transfer are protected through a comprehensive Airport Employee Transfer Proposal. This includes an offer of employment to all full-time Airports Group site employees at the airport at the time of transfer.

"The National Airports Policy enables communities to take greater advantage of their airports, reduce costs, tailor levels of service to local demand, and attract new and different types of business," said Mr. Anderson. "Making better use of transportation infrastructure in this manner will ultimately provide a boost to trade, tourism and job creation."

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Contact:

Rod Nelson
Communications, Vancouver
(604) 666-1675

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