Alma, Quebec, December 17, 2007 The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, took part in today's official inauguration of the new 700-foot extension of the Alma Airport landing strip. Initiated last spring with the help of $2.25 million in non-repayable government funding, this upgrade will enable the SaguenayLac-Saint-Jean region to strengthen its industrial base, develop sustainable competitive advantages and benefit from direct economic spin-offs.
Carried out at a total cost of $2.5 million, this project will have an immediate impact on the air services offered at Alma, Lac-Saint-Jean's leading industrial hub. These better, more efficient facilities will enable Alma to increase its industrial and institutional traffic, serve the Alma-Montréal travel corridor and create new investment opportunities. Moreover, this extension will lead to the creation and maintenance of seven airport jobs and the consolidation of some 40 positions within surrounding businesses based in the airport's industrial park.
"A key lever of development, these new facilities will help bolster the economic vitality of the region. This extension of the airport landing strip is well in line with the Government of Canada's determination to invest in our country's infrastructure, one of the five main advantages we see as critical to raising Canada's international competitiveness and enhancing our quality of life," stated Minister Blackburn.
"This support from Canada Economic Development has been instrumental in financing this landing strip extension project. Business people and travellers alike will benefit from these new facilities. Indeed, we expect to see a major increase in commercial and private flights, as well as in air ambulance services," noted Corporation de l'Aéroport d'Alma President Marc Asselin.
This financial assistance was awarded through Canada Economic Development's "Community Economic Facilities" initiative, a measure that seeks to help targeted communities equip themselves with sustainable community facilities that directly serve to strengthen their economic activities.
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Sources:
Nadia Marceau
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-668-4602 or 1-800-463-9808
E-mail: nadia.marceau@dec-ced.gc.ca
Jean-Philippe Payment
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-953-5646
E-mail: jeanphilippe.payment@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca
