The following press release was issued by the Coalition of Concerned Airport Users:
“The CCAU applauds the announcement by the Hon. David Collenette, Minister of Transport, to develop a Canada Airports Act and undertake a review of the current rent policy for leased airports in the National Airport System (NAS). Tony Pollard, chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Airport Users, expressed his strong support for the Minister’s announcement. “We are very pleased that the government, and Minister Collenette, have listened to the concerns that have been expressed by our membership.
The CCAU has been working diligently to encourage the government to establish a dialogue on those important issues that will determine the future viability of Canada’s national airport system. This announcement is an excellent first step.”
The Coalition of Concerned Airport Users was established in August 2000, to facilitate a national public dialogue on the need for higher quality, competitive, cost effective airport services in Canada, and seek fairer treatment from the federal government for Canada’s air travellers and airport user community. Coalition members represent thousands of individual businesses and air travel consumers who are affected by the current national airports policy and to whom the cost and quality of air travel in Canada are extremely important. COPA is a member of the CCAU.
COPA president and CEO Kevin Psutka added his support to the minister’s initiative in the following letter:
“As a member of the CCAU, COPA supports this press release. The Minister’s commitment to a review of the large airports is one part of the equation for a viable airports system in Canada. I would like to emphasize the CCAU’s recommendation for including consideration of small airports viability in the pending policy review.
COPA have made it very clear during the Airport Capital Assistance Program review that the current funding through ACAP, as well as its narrow qualification criteria, are insufficient to ensure the continued viability of smaller airports. Specifically, the Minister has stated recently that he is content with the current ACAP funding. However, most of the transferred airports have been supported to this point by transition funding, which will run out soon. When the full effect of this funding cut is felt by these airports, it will become apparent that the ACAP funding is insufficient and the criteria for qualification is too narrow.
I strongly urge the Minister to heed the CCAU’s wisdom and foresight, and include small airports in his review.”
Kevin Psutka, president & CEO
Canadian Owners and Pilots Association