Region benefits as Chamber and YXS co-lobby for airport funding

~Released by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce~

 

Prince George, October 5, 2016 – The Prince George Chamber of Commerce sent three delegates to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Regina (Sept 17-19) where they presented two policy resolutions to the membership. While both resolutions were approved, the Chamber’s resolution entitled “Canada’s Small Airports and Access to ACAP Funding” met with 97% support, without amendment.

The airport funding resolution called for fair and open access to ACAP (Airport Capital Assistance Program) funds for all NAS (National Airports System) airports, including the Prince George Airport Authority, one of six airports currently excluded from accessing federal funding.

Chamber CEO, Christie Ray states, “We are encouraged by the support we received at the Canadian Chamber AGM as we continue to push for fairness and financial commitment from the federal government for the Prince George Airport, one of the key supporting agents of economic development in our city and region.”

Specific recommendations made to the federal government include: increasing ACAP funding for all eligible airports to account for inflation and increased project costs, streamlining and making the application process more transparent, and revising ACAP requirements to include the six small NAS airports that are currently excluded.

“The Prince George Airport (YXS) generates close to 500 direct and 200 indirect jobs in the region. YXS is an economic driver and enabler. It is imperative we maintain a safe airport, with competitive fares for both business and leisure passengers” says President and CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority John Gibson. “The more support we have on this issue the better. We would like to thank the Chamber for bringing our concerns to the national Chamber level. ”

The second resolution passed, entitled “Supporting Canada’s Responsible Resource Development”, called on the federal government to work with provincial/territorial governments to promote global access, in particular western access, for natural resource products.