CAC to CBSA: The Time for “Study” on Core Services has Passed

Wednesday, June 18, 2008 -

CAC to CBSA:
The Time for “Study” on Core Services has Passed

OTTAWA (June 18, 2008) – The Canadian Airports Council today expressed disappointment with the Minister of Public Safety’s announcement of additional funding to provide border services at one small airport in Québec.  Others throughout the country have waited three years for a new approach to the provision of core border services by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

“The minister today says that an ‘overall review of core services’ is ongoing.  It has been ongoing for three years.  The time for study is over,” said CAC President and CEO Jim Facette.  “The adequate provision of border services is of vital economic importance to the communities our airports serve.”

The CAC has worked with CBSA and the Minister of Public Safety for three years to develop a new approach for the 21st century to the provision of core border services at Canadian airports.  The association, whose 49 members represent about 95% of the commercial air traffic in Canada, has called on the government to eliminate its cost recovery approach to the provision of new services as a costly yoke on the ability of Canadian communities to take advantage of global opportunities for tourism and trade.

Several Canadian airports already have lost air service or potential air service to the U.S. and Europe due to CBSA’s cost recovery approach.  Added costs from cost recovery are in addition to a federal approach to aviation that also burdens Canada’s aviation sector with airport rent, the Air Travellers Security Charge, fuel excise taxes and other cost burdens.

“We agree with the minister that public funding for border services recognises the value of tourism and allows airports to be more competitive for international flights,” said Mr. Facette.  “However, the federal government is elected to recognize this reality to the benefit of all Canadian communities.”

Just yesterday, the CAC testified before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology on the subject of Canadian tourism competitiveness.  According to a recent report from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), Canada's travel deficit has ballooned to $10.3 billion in 2007 and the latest quarterly numbers for 2008 show a continued deterioration.

About the Canadian Airports Council

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) is the voice for Canada’s airports.  Its 49 members represent more than 180 airports, including all of the National Airports System (NAS) airports and most significant municipal airports in every province and territory. Together, CAC members handle virtually all of the nation’s air cargo and international passenger traffic and 95% of domestic passenger traffic.  They create in excess of $45 billion in economic activity in the communities they serve.  And more than 200,000 jobs are directly associated with CAC member airports, generating a payroll of more than $8 billion annually.