Debates of March 17, 2004 (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is to the Minister of Transportation. Mr. Speaker, the federal government has a strategy whereas their policy is forcing all major airports across Canada to upgrade their security to address the drastic circumstances that have happened a few years ago. One of those airports identified would be the airport in Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, my direct question to the Minister is, who will be paying for this forced and new initiative to upgrade our airport in Yellowknife? Thank you.

Minister of Transportation, Mr. McLeod.

Return To Question 20-15(3): Upgrading Airport Security

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct. We have been working with the federal government on some security initiatives with the Yellowknife Airport and some other airports across the North. We have submitted a budget for consideration to the federal government to improve the securities. We have received some confirmation and have been approved for a portion of those dollars, however, there’s still some negotiation ongoing for areas that were not within the facility. So those discussions will continue to take place. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 20-15(3): Upgrading Airport Security

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Minister, for your answer. As you know, any renovation would have an effect on the clients and customers that use that facility. What consultation has the Minister taken into account in regard to this renovation of that building and the effect it will have on the clients and customers that use that building? Thank you.

Minister of Transportation.

Further Return To Question 20-15(3): Upgrading Airport Security

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our consultations have been taking place with all the stakeholders. There is some concern regarding the expansion of the additional space required for security and the baggage handling, which will take a portion of the parking space. We have some of the stakeholders voicing their concerns that it will have an effect on parking, so we’re looking at alternatives to how we can accommodate that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 20-15(3): Upgrading Airport Security

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it was only a few years ago the Department of Transportation was advocating that this airport was too small, the building was too small. Now we’re looking at expanding it in such a way that we’re running into a corner. What consideration, taking that into account with this new security upgrade, was the Department of Transportation doing in that regard? Thank you.

Minister of Transportation, Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 20-15(3): Upgrading Airport Security

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have a number of options on the table that we’re looking at and cost, of course, is a factor. The expansion to the facility at the current location is something that we, at this point, feel is the cheapest option we have in front of us. We are, however, looking at a long-term plan which would include moving the whole facility to a space across the airport. The dollars are not identified at this point and we’re obligated to put in the security measures by a certain deadline, so we are looking at expanding the facility where it is, as is. Thank you.

Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 20-15(3): Upgrading Airport Security

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my last question is does the Minister see this as a waste of money that we would have to invest in the expansion of this facility to have the facility up and running by late next year, whereas we’re going to have to tear it down in a couple years and build a new one? Thank you.

Minister of Transportation.

Further Return To Question 20-15(3): Upgrading Airport Security

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no, I don’t see this as a waste of money or we wouldn’t be doing it. Mr. Speaker, we have to do something immediately to improve the security measures at the airport. A good portion of the funding is coming from the federal government. At this point, we have no other resources to relocate the facility, which would cost probably three times as much as what we’re investing now. The lifespan of this facility will be increased by potentially 15 years, so we feel it’s a worthwhile investment. Thank you.