Funding Announcement Of Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Vehicles At The Fort Mcmurray Airport

July 26, 2007

Thank you for that kind introduction, Darryl. 

It's a pleasure to be here today on behalf of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Lawrence Cannon. 

As the Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray – Athabasca, I am especially excited to be a part of this announcement of federal funding for the purchase of new safety equipment for the Fort McMurray Airport. 

I feel that this announcement is particularly important, in light of the recent helicopter accident that occurred north of the city on Sunday evening.

As your MP and on behalf of Minister Cannon and the Government of Canada I’d like to say that our thoughts are with the families of all of those involved in this tragic accident and in particular with the family of the fire fighter who lost his life in the crash.

I am pleased to have this opportunity to be here, to demonstrate our Government’s continuing commitment toward enhancing the safety of this facility for the growing number of passengers that depend on this airport.

Today, I am pleased to announce that our Conservative Government will provide an additional $1,971,349, for the purchase of two new airport rescue fire fighting vehicles. 

This funding also includes:

• the purchase of personal protection equipment,
• communications equipment, and
• fire fighting materials.
  

Our region’s rapidly growing population, swelling workforce and ever increasing tourism and trade have caused the airport’s passenger numbers to increase. 

Based on this growth in passenger traffic, the Fort McMurray Airport requires two on-site airport rescue fire fighting vehicles to meet the more stringent aircraft emergency response requirements, announced by this Government in May of 2006.

I am delighted to remind everyone that this is not the first time people have gathered at the Fort McMurray Airport to announce a safety improvement project. 

Just last October, many of us attended a ceremony to open the expanded apron.

The Fort McMurray Airport has also received funding for:

• the replacement of airfield signage,
• a runway sweeper,
• the rehabilitation of airfield lighting and airside surfaces and
• the installation of wildlife control fencing. 

All of these safety enhancements were funded through the Government of Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, or ACAP.

Since 1995, more than $380 million under ACAP has been invested to help regional and local airports finance important capital projects.

Airports in Alberta have received more than $46 million of this funding and approximately $10.4 million has been invested to improve safety right here at the Fort McMurray Airport.  

It is a pleasure to see community leaders and members of the Fort McMurray Regional Airport Commission here today – your attendance demonstrates your dedication to ensuring that this airport remains an integral part of our community. 

I congratulate the Fort McMurray Airport and its owners and operators on their ongoing efforts to ensure that this airport continues to play a vital role in the prosperity of the region.

We must continue to enhance Canada’s transportation system, while adhering to our number one priority of providing safety and security to the traveling public. 

We must have the facilities in place to move people and goods safely and efficiently. 

It's clear that helping airports, like Fort McMurray, improve safety, protect assets, and reduce operating costs is in everyone's best interest. 

I can assure you that Canada’s New Government will continue to work toward a safe and even more efficient air transportation system to meet the growing needs of trade, tourism, and travel in Canada. 

Together we will build on our successes.

Thank you.