By Rick Pusiak
Sudbury MP Diane Marleau put quite a bit of pep into what was supposed to be a happy news conference announcing $1.12 million in federal funding for Sudbury Airport.
Marleau launched into a fiery tirade against the high airfares travellers in northern Ontario have to pay.
She even told Transport Canada representatives on hand for the funding announcement to take her comments back to their masters in Toronto.
?All I can say is that if you?re a business person and you want to travel?from Sudbury to Toronto, it costs you a fortune,? said Marleau.
She said while nobody likes to pay extra, northerners are ticked off with having to pay so much more than anyone else.
?Do you know that you can travel from Toronto to Ottawa on a business class seat for $10 less than you pay to travel from Toronto to Sudbury,? said Marleau.
?If prices were more reasonable maybe we?d have more usage, the way it used to be here (at the Sudbury Airport). I believe airports are economic drivers?I wish we could do more to push those fares down somewhat so we?re treated like everybody else.?
The funding will pay for the replacement of the runway approach lighting system and approach indicator which assist pilots in making a safe landing.
The funds will also go toward the purchase of a runway sweeper, an important piece of equipment to ensure aircraft safety.
Expansion of the airport terminal building is expected to begin in July.
