August 9, 2011 - The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, was joined today by the Honourable Bob McLeod, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment for the Government of the Northwest Territories on behalf of the Honourable Michael McLeod, Minister of Transportation, to announce that the Government of Canada is investing $369,500 in improvements to the Yellowknife Airport. Under the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), the money will be used to replace a self-propelled snowblower.
Federal Minister of State (Finance) Ted Menzies, and GNWT Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod announce a joint funding initiative that will see half a million dollars invested in a new snowplow and safety upgrades for the Yellowknife airport at the Combined Services Building on Friday Aug. 12, 2011. Photo by: James MacKenzie
“The Government of Canada is committed to the safety and security of all Canadians,” said Minister Menzies. “We recognize that efficient and safe airports are vital to the local economies of smaller communities, which is why we are investing in safety improvement projects at regional and local airports across the country.”
“The Government of Canada’s contribution to airport capital improvements supports our commitment to safety and operational effectiveness and helps ensure a vital link to Canada’s North and its communities,” said Minister McLeod. “The Yellowknife Airport is the central hub to travel in the North, and is vital to the sustainability of our remote communities.”
This year, the Government of Canada is investing more than $20.9 million for 27 projects at 23 airports. Improvements include replacing snowblowers and runway sweepers; purchasing runway de-icing and fire-fighting equipment; and rehabilitating runway pavements.
To date, through ACAP, the Government of Canada has invested a total of $556 million for
678 projects at 171 airports, including today’s announcement. Over 99 per cent of these projects were airside safety-related projects such as runways, taxiways and visual aids, as well as heavy airside mobile equipment such as fire trucks and snowplows.
For more information, please contact:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Ottawa, 613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Earl Blacklock
Manager of Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Transportation
867-873-7712