QUESTION PERIOD — Transport
Bathurst Regional Airport
March 22, 2023
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, it was not so long ago that 40,000 to 50,000 passengers were flying in and out of the Bathurst Regional Airport. Last year, only 15,000 travellers used that airport because of a number of factors, including the frequent cancellation and delays of Air Canada flights.
According to a study commissioned by the airport, 70% of potential customers have to drive several hours to get to another airport in the southern part of the province to catch a flight. According to the airport’s CEO, the airport may not survive because it is in a precarious financial situation. It is estimated that the airport is currently running a monthly deficit of over $100,000, mostly as a result of a decrease in travellers and a shortage of pilots.
Senator Gold, the Bathurst airport is not just a transit hub for planes. It is also very essential infrastructure for health care and a key driver of economic growth in northern New Brunswick.
If things continue as they are, the airport will not be able to continue operating beyond the spring of 2023. It is estimated that $1 million is needed to keep the airport running until the end of the year.
Will your government grant the Bathurst airport the emergency funding it needs to remain open? If so, when will it do that? Time is of the essence.
Thank you for the question.
The Government of Canada recognizes the critical importance of all well maintained airports for connecting regional communities across the country, including the Bathurst Regional Airport. These airports support essential air services, including the resupply of remote communities.
As you know, the Bathurst Regional Airport is managed by the Northern New Brunswick Airport Authority.
Over the past three years, the Government of Canada has provided significant financial support to the operator of the airport to compensate for the impact of COVID-19. This funding includes more than $2 million in financial aid for operating and capital expenditures through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Airports Capital Assistance Program and the Regional Air Transportation Initiative.
The minister met with the Bathurst airport authority to discuss the situation and he will continue to support the regional airports across Canada. He is working with the airlines and other companies to improve regional routes, because increasing the number of passengers in regional airports is vital to their survival.
Thank you for this information.
Although I believe that everyone can appreciate the assistance provided by the federal government to date, we have to wonder how the federal government will work with the province of New Brunswick, the municipal level and Air Canada to ensure the efficient operation of Bathurst Airport. I would remind you that this is the only airport servicing all of northern New Brunswick and a good part of the Gaspé.
Thank you for the question.
According to my information, Minister Alghabra recently met with the authorities at Bathurst Regional Airport to reassure them that the government will continue working with representatives of the airport and other regional airports to help support them.
I do not know the details of that conversation, but I will reach out to the government to seek further information, if there is any.
