Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, originating with the Iqaluit Trade and Promotion Office, I have been involved in trying to create some new economic activities at the Iqaluit airport. One of these initiatives included the opportunity of cold-weather testing. The idea of a cold-weather testing facility came about because of the usage of the Iqaluit airport for cold-weather testing by different major airlines. As an example, the cold-weather testing of an airbus 340, owned by Air France. That alone, Mr. Speaker, significantly dropped approximately $750,000 into the local economy. Yesterday, Jerry Ell of the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation and I, met with the Minister of Transportation to again revisit this proposal. Mr. Speaker, hopefully over the next few months, more developments may be made public that could result in significant revenue streams and unique opportunities for new jobs, as well as international and corporate exposure for Iqaluit. Mr. Speaker, we have to look at new economic and job creation opportunities outside of government. This ongoing initiative may result in private business setting up a cold-weather testing facility in my community that may result in new opportunities for jobs and revenue streams. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Edward Picco on Member's Statement 301-13(5): Economic Initiatives At The Iqaluit Airport
In the Legislative Assembly on February 20th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Member's Statement 301-13(5): Economic Initiatives At The Iqaluit Airport
Item 3: Members' Statements
February 19th, 1998
Page 963
Edward Picco Iqaluit
See context to find out what was said next.