News
CAC commends Border Service investment for Atlantic Canada

July 11, 2008, Moncton, N.B. – The Canadian Airports Council(CAC)  today commended the government for expanded border service hours at three Atlantic Canada airports, an important step that will allow for expanded international air service.
 
"The adequate provision of border services is essential for communities like Charlottetown, Fredericton and Moncton to take advantage of the demand for international air service to the communities, and the trade and tourism opportunities that result," said CAC President and CEO Jim Facette.  "Today's announcement is an important step in the Canada Border Services Agency demonstrating it understands the economic importance of border services to Canadian competitiveness."

The CAC has worked with Canada Border Services Agency and the Minister of Public Safety for several 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, continues to work with the CBSA through a new joint taskforce charged with exploring efficiencies that can help CBSA meet the increased demand for border services throughout the country.
 
The CAC recently called for more border resources in a presentation before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology on the subject of Canadian tourism competitiveness.  According to the minister, today's extension means that the top 20 airports in Canada will all receive a minimum of 16 hours of publicly funded passenger clearance services.
 
"Long line-ups to border services in airport arrivals halls leave a terribly poor impression with tourists to Canada," said Mr. Facette.  "It is essential that Canada Border Services Agency have the resources it needs to adequately staff the needs of Canada's airports – large and small."

About the Canadian Airports Council
 
The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) is the voice for Canada's airports.  Its 44 members represent more than 150 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 well in excess of $30 billion in economic activity in the communities they serve.  And more than 150,000 jobs are directly associated with CAC member airports, generating a payroll of more than $8 billion annually.