FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 26, 2009
Government must support York Region?s vitality
PC MPP WANTS COMMITMENT TO KEEP BUTTONVILLE OPEN
Queen?s Park ? Peter Shurman, MPP (Thornhill) today asked the Ontario government for a commitment to support a vital component of York Region infrastructure ? Buttonville Airport.
Recently, an ill-conceived decision of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority cancelled its capacity maintenance agreement, costing the Buttonville Airport $1.5 million annually in support funds.
?The Buttonville Airport is second only to Pearson International Airport in handling air traffic in this region and that includes air ambulance, police surveillance, media services, commercial cargo and corporate aviation, charters and private air craft,? Shurman said during Question Period asking the Transportation Minister for financial support to sustain the airport?s operations.
Shurman added that without the requisite financial support, Buttonville Airport is at imminent risk of closing its doors, costing York Region and the GTA a valuable lifeline and jobs at a time when Ontario?s economy can hardly take another hit.
?I urge Ontario?s Minister of Transportation to support this integral part of York and the GTA and do all that is in his power to ensure that Buttonville Airport can continue to provide much needed jobs and infrastructure support in York Region and the GTA,? Shurman concluded.
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For further information contact:
Monika Bujalska
Executive Assistant
Office of Peter Shurman, MPP-Thornhill
(416) 325-2505
monika.bujalska@pc.ola.org