Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, earlier today history was made in Coppermine. At approximately 12:10 pm, the first scheduled Boeing 737 jet service touched down on the Coppermine airstrip. NWT Air flight 951 signalled the start of an additional new airline service to residents of Coppermine. Coppermine residents are excited and appreciative of the fact that their community now has the opportunity to utilize jet service for their travels. The current NWT Air schedule allows Coppermine residents direct flights to Yellowknife twice a week and to Yellowknife through Cambridge Bay once a week.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I wish to thank the Minister of Transportation, the Honourable John Todd, and his departmental officials for their efforts in planning and financing the Coppermine airstrip upgrade project under the cost-shared NWT transportation initiative with the Government of Canada.
We would also like to thank NWT Air for their commitment to providing jet service to Coppermine by expanding their service in Kitikmeot. NWT Air jet service to Coppermine for this winter season only runs up until April 4, 1995, due to changing runway conditions as a result of the warmer season. However, the completion of the airstrip upgrade late next year will allow for full year-round access by Boeing 737 and 727 jet aircraft and will benefit all air carriers to the community.
Finally, Madam Speaker, although they may be disappointed by the start-up of NWT Air into Coppermine, on behalf of my constituents, I also wish to acknowledge and thank First Air and Ptarmigan Airways for their past and continued commitment to providing air service to the residents of Coppermine and the Kitikmeot.
---Applause