JASPER, ALBERTA, March 14, 2008--On behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Mr. Rob Merrifield, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, and Mr. Brian Jean, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that a decision has been made in regards to the Jasper airstrip.
The Government has concluded that decommissioning the airstrip would increase pilot risk and create legal uncertainties regarding the status of the airstrip. Accordingly, the airstrip will be re-listed in the National Park Aircraft Access Regulations. The Jasper airstrip will be maintained for emergency and diversionary landings as well as recreational use. Commercial use of the airstrip will continue to be prohibited.
" Unpredictable weather in the mountains, and the possibility of an urgent emergency landing in this difficult terrain warrants the re-commissioning of the Jasper airstrip," said Mr. Merrifield. "This decision removes the legal ambiguities surrounding the airstrips and improves pilot safety in the mountain national parks."
An independent Air Safety Risk Assessment commissioned by Parks Canada found that "the proposed Jasper airstrip decommissioning and reclamation project will have a negative impact on aviation safety."
" The Government of Canada is not prepared to accept this level of risk," said Mr. Jean. "We are also taking the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of local residents and Canadians."
The Government of Canada will initiate the appropriate regulatory, environmental assessment and other processes to re-list the airstrip. This action will allow Parks Canada to maintain the facilities appropriately and in compliance with relevant Transport Canada regulations to improve pilot safety.
Information:
Michelle Macullo
A/Senior Communications Advisor
Western and Northern Canada
Parks Canada
403 292-4540
