No. Q005/02For release - March 12, 2002
MONTREAL, Quebec — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced the federal contribution of $6.6 million for safety improvements at La Romaine Airport under the government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).
"The Government of Canada's financial contribution helps enhance safety and improve access to the airport for people and goods at this Lower North Shore isolated community," said Mr. Collenette.
This contribution made it possible to the Unamen Shipu Conseil des Montagnais, under an agreement with the Government of Quebec, to carry out the following improvements:
Extend the runway to 1,199 metres and repave;
Relocate and repave the taxiway and the apron;
Add edge lighting systems along the aircraft manoeuvering areas;
Purchase snow-removal and deicing equipment;
Improve the airport access road.
The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) is part of the National Airports Policy, which was announced in July 1994. Under ACAP, which officially began on 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 federal government.
"ACAP is an example of the federal government directing its 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."
This safety improvement project at La Romaine Airport is complementary to Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan called "Gathering Strength", a Government of Canada initiative favoring partnership with Aboriginals.
La Romaine Airport has been owned by Transports Québec since 1998. There are scheduled passenger services at this airport, which handles up to 7,800 passengers annually.
The village of La Romaine is located on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, between the communities of Chevery and Kégaska, and is approximately 400 kilometers east from Sept-Iles. La Romaine has a population of some 1,100 and the majority of the residents are members of the Unamen Shipu Montagnais community.
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, Dorval(514) 633-2741
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