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Airports commends fund for tourism, aviation security

Jan. 28, 2009, Ottawa - The Canadian Airports Council has commended increased funds for tourism and aviation security.


January 28, 2009  By Carey Fredericks

Jan. 28, 2009, Ottawa – The Canadian Airports Council has 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.

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"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.

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