Preamble:  Brandon, the second largest City in Manitoba, has been without air service for some time and that lack of air service hinders both tourist and business development opportunities across Manitoba and into Eastern Saskatchewan.  Moreover, recent developments regarding the inability to safely operate air ambulances in emergency situations have created a major safety concern for all of Western Manitoba.      

Resolution: That the Federal and Manitoba Governments fund the installation of an instrument landing system (ILS) and improved lighting capabilities at the Brandon airport so as to provide enhanced air service to Western Manitoba.

 

Resolution Report:  

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce produces Resolution reports as part of its commitment to be accountable to its members. The reports are updated as matters unfold and have three components:

MCC Advocacy: Specific activities the MCC has done to help make this Resolution a reality. 

Developments:  Events (e.g. government action, media coverage) that relate to Resolution. 

Current Status: The MCC’s current plans to help make this Resolution a reality. 

Advice, comments, and information sharing are welcome; simply enter a reply at the bottom of this post.

 

MCC Advocacy: 

April 16, May 6 and May 7, 2009: The 2009-2010 Resolutions were posted on the MCC website, listed as part of a comprehensive Report on AGM 2009 and then notice of this story was circulated through the MCC e-Omnibus which is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

May 19, 2009: 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:

• The Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation  

August 26, 2009: This Resolution was highlighted in an MCC E-Update which was sent to 3,000 individuals including MCC members, Media and Government. 

August 26, 2009: Spoke to the local chamber that sponsored this Resolution, sharing information and brainstorming ways to move this issue forward.

December 17, 2009: Discussed this issue during a meeting with the Honourable Vic Toews, Federal President of the Treasury Board. 

Toews provided some information to the MCC which will be relayed to the sponsoring chamber for feedback.

 

Developments:

May 2, 2009: A Winnipeg Free Press article by Larry Kusch entitled “Rural Manitoba gets $116M to build with: Feds, province team up to fund 52 diverse projects” reported funding of $1 million for improvements to Brandon’s municipal airport, part of a $1.5-million project.

Premier Gary Doer and federal Treasury Board President Vic Toews, Manitoba’s senior federal cabinet minister, made the announcement.  

November 23, 2009: Received a letter from the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation on this issue, stating as follows:

Air service is a vital part if Manitoba’s transportation network and continuing investment in municipal aviation infrastructure will be given every consideration in annual program developments. We will also continue to press federal sources for participation in the maintenance and renewal of these important economic components.

 

Final Report:

Investments have been committed but further monies may be needed in relation to the lighting equipment. Given this outstanding issue this Resolution can only be considered a qualified success.