News Release

For immediate release
May 17, 2002

MAJOR INVESTMENT IN SYDNEY AIRPORT COMPLEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS TO CAPE BRETON ISLAND ECONOMY 

SYDNEY, N.S. – A major investment in the Sydney Airport Terminal Building, by the Government of Canada, further complements on-going, successful economic development efforts on Cape Breton Island. Funding for the airport upgrade was announced today, in Sydney, by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State responsible for the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC).

Speaking to a luncheon meeting of the Industrial Cape Breton Board of Trade, Minister Byrne focussed on improvements to the Cape Breton Island economy and the importance of innovation to long-term economic success. 

“Cape Breton is making positive steps towards long-term economic prosperity, through targeted investment in community development, attracting commercial investment and funding strategic infrastructure,” said Minister Byrne. 

During the speech, Minister Byrne referred to labour force and employment statistics that demonstrate how the Cape Breton Island economy is improving. “Despite the closure of Devco, Sysco and the decline of the fishery, the economic indicators for Cape Breton Island demonstrate solid progress,” said Minister Byrne.

Employment growth on Cape Breton Island in 2001 out-performed both the provincial and national average. Employment on the Island in 2001 was higher than any year since 1988. The participation rate in 2001 was higher than any year since 1987. The unemployment rate, while still high at 17 percent, is now the lowest it has been in the last 11 years.

“Cape Breton’s economy is turning around. The Government of Canada’s economic development efforts are clearly paying dividends,” he concluded. “This positive news makes it vital that Sydney Airport, as an important part of the Island’s infrastructure, be maintained and improved,” said Minister Byrne. 


The total estimated cost of the Airport Terminal Building enhancements is 
$2 million and will include mechanical and electrical upgrades, as well as interior and exterior improvements. ECBC will contribute $1 million. Eight jobs will be maintained. 

"This is a major investment by the Government of Canada in an important piece of the community’s industrial, business and tourism infrastructure,” said Minister Byrne. “Quality air service is necessary for the continued development of the information technology, tourism and resource sectors. It is also extremely vital when we consider Sydney’s proximity to future natural gas development projects.”

"We view the support from the Government of Canada for this project as recognition of the important role the Sydney Airport plays in the economy of this region,” said Vince MacLean, Chairperson, Sydney Airport Authority. “The renovations will help to make Sydney Airport one of the most sophisticated airports in Canada, which is vital to the growth of the economy.”

Sydney Airport consists of over 1600 acres of land and serves over 100,000 passengers each year. The airport has two of the most up-to-date runways in all of Canada, with new lighting and landing systems.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Peter A.H. Graham, Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
ACOA and ECBC
(613) 957-9959

D.A. Landry 
ECBC Communications 
(902) 564-3617

Vince MacLean 
Chairperson 
Sydney Airport Authority 
(902) 828-3371