Government of Canada Investing in Safety at Local and Regional Airports

May 24, 2017    Baie-Comeau, Québec    Transport Canada

Canadians, tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained airports. From visiting friends and family, to traveling to medical appointments, or getting goods to market, we rely on our local and regional airports to support and sustain vibrant communities. These airports also provide essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today announced that the Government of Canada is making important safety investments at local and regional airports across the country.

This year, Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) will provide over $41.7 million for new safety-related improvement projects at 34 airports.

Projects being supported include the rehabilitation of runways, taxiways and aprons; improvements to airfield lighting and airside electrical systems; and the purchase of snow and ice removal equipment.

On May 16, 2017, Minister Garneau introduced Bill C-49, the Transportation Modernization Act in Parliament. The proposed legislation includes provisions that would establish clear standards of treatment for air travellers in common situations as well as financial compensation under certain circumstances, including denied boarding and lost or damaged baggage. The new air passenger rights would be clear, consistent, transparent and fair for passengers and air carriers.