Canadian Airports Council Offers to be Part of the Solution

Wednesday, March 23, 2005 -

Canadian Airports Council Offers
to be Part of the Solution

OTTAWA – March 23, 2005 – “In a letter to the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Canadian Airports Council has offered to participate in finding solutions to the goals and objective set out in the Security and Prosperity Plan”, said Jim Facette, President and CEO of the Canadian Airports Council (CAC). 

The announcement of a Security and Prosperity Partnership for North America by Prime Minister Paul Martin and Presidents Bush and Fox is good news for Canada’s Airports.  The announcement of common security programs promises improved transborder air services to Canadians.

Mr. Facette also said, “cooperative and complementary security arrangements are a precondition to restoring the freedom Canadians enjoyed in traveling to the U.S. and Mexico before the tragic events of September 11th.”

In the letter to the Hon. Anne McLellan, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the CAC has offered assistance to the Minister as she works to find areas of common agreement with her U.S. and Mexican counterparts.  The CAC has long supported the need for better cooperation amongst Canada, the United States and Mexico, this announcement and the tight time frame gives Canadian airports hope that the partnership will be a success.

Formed in 1992, the Canadian Airports Council represents Canada’s non-federal airports for industry policy and regulatory matters, facilitating industry education and exchange, and promoting the industry in Canada and globally. CAC members account for 100% of all international passenger and cargo air transportation in Canada and 95% of domestic passenger traffic. With 43 members, operating more than 120 airports, the CAC includes all major international airports and a number of regional airports across Canada.