Airports Commends fund for Tourism, Aviation Security

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 -

Airports Commends fund for Tourism, Aviation Security

OTTAWA (January 27, 2009) – The Canadian Airports Council, today commended increased funds for tourism and aviation security, says it is committed to working with the government on these and other areas that enable Canada’s airports to be competitive in the world.

“Canada’s airports appreciate the large degree of consultation afforded it by government in preparation of this budget,” said CAC President and CEO Jim Facette.  “As a method of stimulating the economy, we believe funding the shovel-ready infrastructure projects, totalling $1.75 billion, submitted by Canada’s airports is a valuable way to support Canada’s competitiveness, including the competitiveness of the 70$ billion tourism industry we support.” 

While not directly approving any specific airport projects, the budget envisions funds for additional federal infrastructure projects if an agreement with a province or territory cannot be reached expeditiously. Projects submitted by Canada’s airports ranged from airport runway extensions to water and sewer projects to safety enhancements.

The CAC commended the government’s commitment to spend more than $500 million on tourism, including the development of a much-needed tourism strategy.  The CAC reiterated its contention that cost competitiveness is an important element of tourism competitiveness.

“The development of a national tourism strategy is much needed in this country, and Canada’s airports are glad the government has decided dedicate resources to the initiative,” said Mr. Facette.  “As governments around the world have found, the cost competitiveness of the aviation sector is a vital part of any successful tourism strategy.” 

There also is a much needed increase in security resources for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), which will receive $282 million over two years. 

About the Canadian Airports Council

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) is the voice for Canada’s airports.  Its 48 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. 

For more information:   
Daniel-Robert Gooch,
Director of Communications
Canadian Airports Council
(613) 884-1344 
daniel.gooch@cacairports.ca