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Judy Foote, Opposition Critic for Innovation, Trade and
Rural Development and MHA for the District of Grand Bank, says the
provincial government policy of allowing airports around the province to be
downgraded is hampering economic growth. "Good
transportation networks are critically important to economic development
and, as the government of this province allows airports to be downgraded,
they are causing serious damage to efforts to promote economic growth in
many regions of this province," said Foote. "In order to attract new
businesses and for existing ones to grow , we need to have a good and stable
transportation network."
Two examples of airports which clearly point to the
government’s policy of neglect are Stephenville and Gander says Foote.
"Right now the Stephenville airport is in serious trouble and in real danger
of closing and, if the airport in Gander is allowed to incur the same fate,
the economy of the whole of the central portion of our province will
suffer."
The Liberal Critic says other airports such as St.
Anthony and Wabush could also be downgraded if people in those areas are not
vigilant and pressure the government to ensure they are kept open. "While
all business activity would suffer, tourism would undoubtedly be severely
impacted. Such downgrades would also mean great inconvenience to the
traveling public. If the Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
is not involved in ensuring airports in the province are not downgraded or
closed, then she is neglecting her responsibility to make sure the
government doesn’t lose sight of the importance of a good transportation
network to the economic survival of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The
Minister should provide full details on what is happening with various
airports around the province and the government’s strategy to ensure their
survival."
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