No. H049/05 For release March 31, 2005 AIRPORT DIVESTITURE PROGRAM EXTENDED OTTAWA — Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today announced the extension of the Regional and Small Airport Divestiture Program to March 31, 2007. This program is a key component of the National Airports Policy, which was announced in July 1994. "The National Airports Policy has been one of the most successful divestiture programs in the world. This extension will allow us to continue negotiations to divest the remaining regional/local and small airports," said Mr. Lapierre. "The transfer of the last eight airports will place all Canadian airport communities on an equal footing." The term of the program is being extended from March 31, 2005, to March 31, 2007. The eight regional/local or small airports left to divest are at various stages of the transfer process and negotiations are continuing, with every prospect of a successful transfer by March 2007. The Government of Canada is committed to fulfilling all the objectives of the National Airports Policy. Under the policy, local interests have the opportunity to assume ownership of regional/local and small airports. Regional/local airports are defined as those having regularly scheduled services, and small airports include all airports with no regularly scheduled service. The policy has put 128 regional/local and small airports, from the National Airports System, into local hands. These airports, which are no longer operated by the government, handle more than 99 per cent of all passengers in Canada. As part of Transport Canada’s commitment to a safe and secure transportation system, the department continues to be responsible for all aspects of aviation safety in Canada. As the regulator, Transport Canada is responsible for inspecting and certifying airports and aerodromes in Canada. The safety of the travelling public is paramount. The eight remaining airports are: Penticton, British Columbia Port Hardy, British Columbia Bonnechere, Ontario Havre Saint-Pierre, Quebec Natashquan, Quebec Sept-Îles, Quebec St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador - 30 - Contact: Irène Marcheterre Director of Communications Office of the Minister, Ottawa (613) 991-0700 Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
