Toby Lennox, GTAA Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications, appeared this week before the Honourable Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance, as part of the 2008 Ontario budget discussion.

Mr. Lennox highlighted how the GTAA can work with the Province of Ontario to better leverage Toronto Pearson in order to generate new economic development opportunities and boost tourism. “The GTAA is actively seeking out new routes and new airlines to better connect Ontario and would look to the Province to partner in these efforts,” said Mr. Lennox.

The redeveloped Toronto Pearson provides Ontario’s visitors and residents with one of the most up-to-date and efficient airports in the world and gives the Province the front door to the world it deserves. Connecting Ontario globally will generate more high-paying, skilled jobs locally, increase tourism to the Province, and provide more opportunities for Ontario’s businesses and travellers to access more global markets around the globe.

During his submission to the Minister, Mr. Lennox also pointed out that “a more competitive aviation sector would not only attract new airlines, new routes and the jobs and tax revenues that come with them, but would redirect the millions of Ontarians who are currently avoiding airports in Hamilton, Ottawa and Toronto for competitor airports in the U.S.”

And though connecting to markets around the globe is very important, another critical aspect is seeing Toronto Pearson connected to the region by transit. Mr. Lennox highlighted the need for better transit to the airport and endorsed the transit initiatives outlined in the Move Ontario 2020 Plan that would improve access to Toronto Pearson, including the privately funded train proposed to connect the airport to Union Station.

The GTAA looks forward to future partnership opportunities with the Province to boost tourism and regional economic development by improving the Province’s connections to the global market.