No. H062/05
For release - April 7, 2005
RANKIN INLET — The Government of Canada is working to improve safety at the Iqaluit, Gjoa Haven, Kugluktuk and Rankin Inlet airports through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, announced today on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre.
The Government of Canada is contributing $11,469,585 towards safety improvement projects at these four Nunavut airports. In Iqaluit, the Government of Canada is contributing $10,743,585, while the Government of Nunavut will contribute the remaining $1,193,732 for the re-opening of a taxiway and rehabilitation of an apron to fully operational status. In both Gjoa Haven and Kugluktuk, the government is contributing $246,000 for the purchase of a runway plow truck. In Rankin Inlet, the government is contributing $234,000 to replace the airport's runway sweeper.
"Today's announcement reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to remote and rural communities and the safety of their air services," said Ms. Karetak-Lindell. "These safety enhancements will also help these airports meet the growing cargo, tourism and travel needs in Nunavut."
The Airports Capital Assistance Program is an integral part of the National Airports Policy, which provides Canadians with a comprehensive framework that clearly defines the Government of Canada's role regarding airports.
Under the program, which was established in 1995 and renewed for five years in January 2005, airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, airports must have year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.
"Safety and security are Transport Canada's top priorities," said Mr. Lapierre. "The funds being provided to make the safety improvements at these airports will help them enhance both their safety and economic potential."
"The modernization of Nunavut's air transportation links are essential for safe and reliable transportation, and this new equipment will help a great deal," said David Simailak, Nunavut Minister of Economic Development and Transportation. "The Iqaluit Airport is an essential and pivotal component to Nunavut's transportation system, and our government welcomes this first step in redeveloping our Capital's airport."
Iqaluit Airport, previously owned and operated by Transport Canada, was transferred to the Government of the Northwest Territories on July 1, 1995. With the creation of Nunavut on April 1, 1999, the ownership of the airport was then transferred to the Government of Nunavut. Since the second transfer, the airport has received approximately $11 million in funding through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, including the projects announced today. The previously funded project replaced the airport's wheeled loader. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by First Air, Canadian North, Air Nunavut, Kenn Borek Air and Air Inuit.
Gjoa Haven Airport, previously owned by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and operated by the Government of the Northwest Territories, was transferred to that territory on April 1, 1991. With the creation of Nunavut on April 1, 1999, the ownership of the airport was transferred to the Government of Nunavut. The $246,000 project announced today is the first project funded through the Airports Capital Assistance Program at this airport. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by First Air and Kenn Borek Air.
Kugluktuk Airport was previously owned and operated by the Government of the Northwest Territories. With the creation of Nunavut on April 1, 1999, the ownership of the airport was transferred to the Government of Nunavut. The $246,000 project announced today is the first project funded through the Airports Capital Assistance Program at this airport. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by First Air and Kenn Borek Air.
Rankin Inlet Airport, previously owned by Transport Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, was transferred to the Government of the Northwest Territories on April 1, 1991. With the creation of Nunavut on April 1, 1999, the ownership of the airport was transferred to the Government of Nunavut. Since the second transfer, the airport has received approximately $860,000 in funding through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, including the project announced today. Previously funded projects include the replacement of the runway plow truck, the sweeper and snowblower. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by First Air, Canadian North, Calm Air and Kivalliq Air.
Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
A backgrounder on the Airports Capital Assistance Program is attached.
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Contacts:
Irène MarcheterreDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Susan McLennanCommunicationsTransport Canada, Prairie and Northern Region(204) 983-6315
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BACKGROUNDERAIRPORTS CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Airports Capital Assistance Program provides funding to eligible airports to finance capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, an airport must receive year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.
Funding available under the program is set at $190 million, to be allocated from April 2005 to March 2010 at an average of $38 million per year. Contributions are considered for the following types of projects:
First priority projects include safety-related airside projects, such as rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting and other utilities, visual aids and sand storage sheds. This category also includes related site preparation and environmental costs, aircraft firefighting vehicles and ancillary equipment and equipment shelters that are necessary to maintain the required level of protection.
Second priority projects include safety-related heavy airside mobile equipment, such as runway snow blowers, runway snowplows, runway sweepers, spreaders and decelerometers (winter friction testing devices), and heavy airside mobile equipment shelters.
Third priority projects include safety-related air terminal building and groundside projects, such as sprinkler systems, asbestos removal and barrier-free access.
Fourth priority projects include asset protection and refurbishing, operating cost reduction related to air terminal building or groundside access.
Priority for funding will also be established by Transport Canada on the basis of a detailed technical analysis of a facility's condition and maintenance history, airport traffic and certification requirements.
To be eligible, projects must maintain or improve safety levels, protect airport assets or significantly reduce operating costs. Projects must also meet accepted engineering practices and be justified on the basis of current demand. Airport facility expansion projects will only be considered if the current facilities have a potentially negative impact on safety at the airport.
Transport Canada's first priority is safety. Through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, the Government of Canada is helping to enhance not only airport safety, but also the economic viability of this important aspect of Canada's transportation infrastructure.
The program is part of the National Airports Policy, which was introduced in July 1994 and calls for the commercialization of designated Canadian airports, through divestiture to community interests. The policy enables communities to take greater advantage of their airports, reduce costs, tailor levels of service to local demand and attract new and different types of business.
April 2005
