Preamble:  Thompson is ideally situated to serve as a freight distribution centre to remote northern Manitoba and Nunavut communities but can only serve some remote Manitoba communities for a short period of time through the winter road network.   

Resolution: That the Government of Manitoba consult with the University of Manitoba Transport Institute to investigate and promote the use of airships as a  year-round means of freight transportation to service northern Manitoba and Nunavut, and that it target the year 2008 to conduct a ‘test run’ between Thompson and at least one remote community.

Resolution Reports:  

MCC Advocacy (additions since last report are in italics):

May 21, 2008: An MCC ‘Inside the Chamber’ Web Story entitled “IT HAPPENED AT THE AGM: PART 3 – MCC Announces Resolutions For 2008-2009″ provided access to each and every Resolution passed at the AGM. Notice of this story was circulated through the MCC e-Omnibus which is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

June 4, 2008: For the first time ever the MCC made available its handbook on ‘Policies & Resolutions’ which contains Resolutions in one handy format. An MCC ‘Inside the Chamber’ Web Story entitled “MCC Releases Policy Handbook” announced this initiative. Notice of this story was circulated through the MCC e-Omnibus which is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

June 6, 2008: Resolution books were sent to every MLA and every Member of Parliament that hails from Manitoba. The following had this Resolution specifically drawn to their attention with a detailed letter setting out the background to this issue, Government initiatives (where applicable), and an argument for the Resolution:

• Minister of Infrastructure & Transportation
• Minister of Aboriginal & Northern Affairs     

June 19, 2008: Wrote Dr. Barry E. Prentice, Professor, Supply Chain Management, Transport Institute, I.H. Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba, seeking his support in this matter.

September 29, 2008: Wrote to the sponsoring chambering in relation to this matter.

October 20, 2008: The 2008 third quarter edition of the Focus mentioned this Resolution in its report on the MCC AGM. The Focus magazine goes out to 10,000 businesses and community leaders across Manitoba.

Developments (additions since last report are in italics):

July 5, 2008: A New York Times article by John Tagliabue examined the development of airships in the U.S. and Europe, stating “As the cost of fuel soars and the pressure mounts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, several schemes for a new generation of airship are being considered by governments and private companies”.

August 14, 2008: The Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation wrote to the MCC on this issue, stating as follows:

The airship resolution has some merit. We continue to follow with interest the possible re-emergence of airship technology. With improvements in designs, materials, engines, etc. airships have the potential to overcome the obstacles if Manitoba’s broad geography and diverse terrain to enable a more affordable, environmentally friendly year-round mode of transportation to connect remote Northern Manitoba communities which have no all-weather roads. Manitoba could become the hub for airship passenger and cargo service to and from the three northern Canadian territories. Resource development in the North could benefit from the use of airships which require minimal infrastructure. Eco-tourism and remote surveillance related to wildfire management are possibilities. Airships could assist with the protection of Canada’s sovereignty in the North. Manitoba may also be able to capitalize on the existing aerospace cluster by adding airship manufacturing and/or assembly and maintenance to our repertoire. Training of airship pilots and maintenance engineers is another possible positive for us. We have been prepared to co-host an airship demonstration flight for a number of years. 

….

I appreciate the tremendous working relationship that exists between my Department and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. The valuable input of your members gives us an important insight into the concerns, ideas and aspirations of Manitoba communities that are often crucial in many aspects of our activities. I look forward to having an opportunity to discuss these issues with you in the near future and invite you to contact my office at your convenience to schedule a meeting.

Current Status (additions since last report are in italics):

January 27, 2009: The MCC continues to liaison with ISO Polar – a not-for-profit airship research institute to undertake economic and engineering studies, coordinate demonstrations, facilitate certification tests – and the Transport Institute. Currently the focus is on analyzing the results of some demonstrations in the U.S. and Calgary.   

An ‘Airships to the Arctic’ symposium will be held in Calgary from October 7-9, 2009.