No. Q03/02For release - March 11, 2002
KUUJJUARAPIK, Quebec — Guy St-Julien, MP for Abitibi - James Bay - Nunavik, today announced, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, a federal funding up to a maximum of $3,300,000 for two projects to improve safety at Kuujjuarapik Airport under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program.
"These airport improvement projects will allow the Kuujjuarapik Airport to remain a safe and efficient facility. This airport is a vital transportation facility that allows year-round air travel services in and out of this isolated community," said Mr. St-Julien.
This financial contribution provided by Transport Canada will enable the ministère des Transports du Québec to proceed with the following improvements:
$2,820,000 will be used to regravel the runway and taxiway;
$480,000 will be used for the installation of a security fence delineating the airport perimeter.
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 and was renewed in June 2000, airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, they must receive scheduled passenger service, meet airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.
Since 1995, the Government of Canada has announced a total of approximately $30,000,000 for 22 safety improvements projects, under ACAP, at 10 airports in Quebec.
"ACAP is an example of the Government of Canada directing infrastructure resources to where they are most 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."
This safety improvement project at Kuujjuarapik is complementary to Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan called "Gathering Strength", a Government of Canada initiative favoring partnership with Aboriginals.
Kuujjuarapik Airport has been owned by the Québec Government since 1963 and has been operated by the Kativik Regional Government since 1996. Scheduled air passenger service is provided at the airport, which handles approximately 25,000 passengers annually. Kuujjuarapik Airport is located on the Hudson Bay shore and serves a village of more than 1,300 inhabitants who are Cree, Inuit and non-aboriginal.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
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Contact:
Donald BeaulieuCommunications, Montreal(514) 633-2741
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