The department informed the committee that Transport Canada is introducing regulations to reinstate fire fighting staff and equipment at the regional airports. All regional airports outside of Yellowknife will now require an upgrade.
The committee and the department concurred that it will be some time before the required equipment upgrades can be completed as most regional airports in the country will require similar equipment purchases. Further, personnel will have to be hired and this is also in the face of recruitment issues at other Canadian regional airports.
The committee expressed concern that it would be some time before our regional airports will meet the proposed federal standards. Committee members suggested that fire fighting duties at the airport might be assumed by community fire fighting facilities. However, the department replied that response times established by Transport Canada is very tight and it is unlikely that community fire fighting facilities, equipment and staff would be able to meet those requirements.
Finally, airports represent a critical transportation link for many communities in the North. The committee stated that the department should review fire fighting capabilities at all community level airports as well. Committee members encourage the Minister to work with other departments to ensure that fire fighting and airport maintenance equipment at all airports is adequate.