Canada's Transport Minister, David Collenette, has introduced the Canada Airports Act in the House of Commons. The bill modernizes the corporate governance regime for airport authorities and establishes a framework for disclosure and accountability for Canada's major airports.

"Introducing this legislation is an important step in addressing new and emerging issues that have arisen since the National Airports Policy was put in place in 1994, as well as in protecting the interests of Canadians, the airports and the airline industry," said Mr. Collenette (right). "With the successful divestiture of Canada's major airports completed, it is in the best interests of all parties to have one common, yet flexible, governance structure and a strengthened accountability framework to guide the operators of Canada's major airports."

The legislation contains a new airports policy statement to replace the National Airports Policy, which was the basis for the commercialization of the airports identified as being part of Canada's National Airports System. It completes the legislative framework for Canada's transportation infrastructure, providing a framework for airports in keeping with other legislative initiatives such as for Canada's air navigation and ports systems.

The proposed Act sets out the roles and obligations of the Government of Canada and of the affected airport operators. The Act will affect 30 airports when it comes into force. It will also apply to any additional airports that, in the future, reach a passenger threshold of more than 200,000 passengers per year averaged over three years.

"Canada's airport divestiture initiative is one of the most successful commercialization undertakings in the world. Airport authorities have expanded rapidly, providing an improved level of service to the travelling public and generating significant economic activity in many regions," said Mr. Collenette. "This new legislation will build on that success."

The introduction of the Canada Airports Act is the culmination of extensive studies and stakeholder consultations and responds to recommendations in a number of recent reviews. It also fulfils one of the commitments made in Straight Ahead - A Vision for Transportation in Canada and contributes to the Government of Canada's governance agenda as set out in the 2002 Speech from the Throne.

FMI: www.tc.gc.ca