No. P016/97
For release August 26, 1997

KAMLOOPS AIRPORT OFFICIALLY TRANSFERRED TO LOCAL INTERESTS

KAMLOOPS, B.C. -- Sophia Leung, C.M., MP (Vancouver Kingsway), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the official transfer of Kamloops Airport from the federal government to the Kamloops Airport Authority Society.

"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 Kamloops Airport Authority Society will begin a new era of airport management," said Ms. Leung. "Having this airport run by the people who know its roles -- and its potential for growth -- will allow it to function in a more commercial and cost-effective manner."

Kamloops 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.

"British Columbia is leading the way in transferring airports to local community interests," added Ms. Leung. "Since 1995, 17 airports in B.C. have been transferred and eight letters of intent have been signed to transfer B.C. airports into local hands."

Negotiations to transfer ownership of Kamloops airport began in March 1995 following the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Kamloops Airport Authority Society and Transport Canada. 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.

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.

Transport Canada will continue to regulate the safe provision of air navigation 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 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. Collenette. "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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