Stelmach weighs in on Envision Edmonton airport debate
Downtown facility shouldn’t close if medevac affected, says premier
EDMONTON — Premier Ed Stelmach took a step into the City Centre Airport debate on Tuesday, saying “nothing moves” at the facility until he is assured closing the airport won’t have a negative impact on medevac services.
Following a meeting with Envision Edmonton leaders — the group fighting the closure of the airport — Stelmach said he would like to see a new report on medevac services conducted by the Alberta Health Quality Council.
“The suggestion was given by Envision Edmonton (Tuesday) morning,” Stelmach told reporters. “It’s a good one. I think it’s a good way of assessing the info from both sides.”
However, Stelmach indicated his foray into the airport debate was limited to the medevac issue and that ultimately, Edmontonians will make the decision on whether to close the facility permanently or not.
The premier was asked if he would vote if a plebiscite was called. Even though he maintains a home in Edmonton and would likely be eligible to vote, Stelmach said he won’t be taking part.
“You only vote once in a municipal election and I live on a farm and I vote in the municipality of Lamont.”
He said a new report on medevac would help “clear the air” between conflicting information from the city and Envision Edmonton. During the meeting Tuesday, leaders from the group presented the premier with a petition signed by 20,000 non-Edmontonians who are calling for the airport to remain open.
