Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Hawkins on October 31, 2006, regarding the Yellowknife Airport runway extension.
The extension of runway 15-33 is considered in two recent studies undertaken by the Department of Transportation: Planning for the Future the Yellowknife Airport (YZF) Development Plan and Aeronautical Market Study. The studies find that runway 15-33 is of sufficient length to meet the requirements of the carriers currently operating at the airport.
The final decision and timing of the extension would be dependent upon the results of a comprehensive market analysis that supports the presence of tangible, long-term demand for the enhanced service and securing funding. The department will continue to pursue these opportunities as the needs arise. To provide for the potential extension, the Department of Transportation has acquired the additional land. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.