No. P02/99
For release January 22, 1999

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT CAMPBELL RIVER AIRPORT

CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. - Hedy Fry, MP (Vancouver Centre) and Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced federal funding of $27,125 for a safety improvement project at Campbell River Airport under the federal government's Airports Capital Assistance Program.

"Safety is Transport Canada’s top priority," said Ms. Fry. "With today’s contribution towards Campbell River Airport, the federal government is helping to enhance not only safety, but also the economic potential of the region’s transportation infrastructure."

The project involves replacing worn-out fencing at the airport. This improvement will help to ensure that Campbell River Airport remains a safe and efficient facility.

The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) is part of the National Airports Policy, which was announced in July 1994. Under ACAP, which officially began April 1, 1995, airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, they must receive regularly scheduled passenger service, meet airport certification requirements and not be owned by the federal government.

"ACAP is an example of the federal government directing infrastructure resources to where they are needed and can best enhance safety," said Mr. Collenette. "This program is just one way the government — through the National Airports Policy — seeks to ensure a safe, efficient and affordable airports system to serve Canadians well into the future."

Campbell River Airport is owned and operated by the District of Campbell River. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided at the airport, which has handled, on average, over 73,000 passengers annually for the past three years. Both Canadian Regional Airlines and AirBC fly direct scheduled flights from Vancouver International Airport to Campbell River, the "Salmon Capital of the World." Since the introduction of ACAP, the Campbell River Airport has been awarded a total of $987,625 in federal funding for safety improvement projects.

Funding for this project was provided for in the 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.

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Contact:

Rod Nelson
Communications, Vancouver
(604) 666-1675

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