News
Government of Canada provides funding for airport safety equipment in Eastern Quebec

Feb 21, 2008, Mont-Joli, Quebec – Two airports in Eastern Quebec will receive close to $842,100 for new equipment, under the Government of Canada's 2008-2009 Airports Capital Assistance Program. The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

Mont-Joli Airport will receive $463,300 to purchase a self-propelled snow blower, and $192,900 to construct a sand shed. Alma Airport will receive $185,900 to replace a runway sweeper. "I am pleased that our government has committed to this important funding," said Minister Blackburn. "The new equipment will contribute to maintaining smooth operations and enhance safety at these Quebec airports." "The safety of the travelling public continues to be a top priority for our government," said Minister Cannon. "Providing funds for new equipment will help these airports to maintain safety for air passengers."

The Airports Capital Assistance Program finances capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. Eligible airports must have year-round regularly scheduled passenger service, they must meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements, and they cannot be owned or operated by the Government of Canada. Since its creation, the program has distributed over $466 million for 562 projects at 164 airports. Over 99 per cent of these were airside safety-related projects such as the rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, visual aids and heavy airside mobile equipment.