GSDAM is satisfied with the Dorval development plan submitted by ADM- we hope these investments will serve to accelerate the expansion of air transport in the metropolitan area
Groupe de soutien au développement des aéroports de Montréal Montreal, February 24, 2000 The Groupe de soutien au développement des aéroports de Montréal, comprising the major organizations interested in the economic development of Greater Montreal, announced that it is very satisfied with the development plan and investments announced today by Aéroports de Montréal.
"This very ambitious investment plan clearly indicates that ADM considers airport activity to be a powerful engine of economic growth for the entire metropolitan area and not just a functional support activity," declared André D. Godbout, president of GSDAM, and its spokesmen, Pierre Laferrière, president of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal; Pierre-Yves Melançon, chair of the transportation committee of the Conseil régional de développement de l'Île de Montréal; Jacques Girard, president and CEO of Montréal International; Charles Lapointe, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal; and Jean Lapointe, president of the Regroupement d'employés de l'aviation civile.
"The fact that, in response to urging by the airport's major users, ADM has accelerated the Dorval expansion schedule to speed up improvements originally planned for a later date indicates that for the first time in a long time, Montreal has a real chance to see a significant increase in air traffic and to establish itself as a major air traffic hub in the American Northeast." According to GSDAM's spokesmen, this increase will also result in the consolidation and even creation of many jobs in this highly specialized sector.
"We hope that all government and other partners will lend their support as soon as possible so that this entire project can be completed without delay - including the terminal expansion, which will ensure the continued development of Dorval and all airport activity in the metropolitan area. Close co-operation will make it possible to carry out the plan quickly with minimum impact on the airport improvement fees (AIF).
"Montreal is the major Quebec gateway for human and physical resources. For this reason, we believe that plans to upgrade and expand Dorval airport, which will endow Greater Montreal with one of North America's best hub airports, while Mirabel continues to be developed as a charter and cargo airport, will benefit all Quebecers."
The Groupe de soutien au développement des aéroports de Montréal (GSDAM) is composed of the following organizations: the Alliance des manufacturiers et exportateurs du Québec, the Association de la recherche industrielle du Québec, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, the Chambre de commerce de l'Est de Montréal, the West Island of Montreal Chamber of Commerce, the Chambre de Commerce de la Rive-Sud, the Saint-Laurent Chamber of Commerce, the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Laval, the Conference of Suburban Mayors, the Conseil local de développement de Mirabel, the Conseil régional de développement de l'Île de Montréal, the West Island Business Development Council, Montréal International, Tourisme Montréal, the Regroupement d'employés de l'aviation civile, and the Ville de Montréal.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has more than 7 000 members. Its mission is to be the leading group representing the interests of the Greater Montreal business community. The objectives are to maintain, at all times, relevance to its membership, credibility towards the public and influence towards government and decision-makers.
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