We, the concerned stakeholders of the Stephenville International Airport, request a public information session regarding the proposed transaction between the Stephenville Airport Corporation (SAC), and the Greater NL Partnership, the latest proponent. This potential transaction has generated significant criticism and concern as to the future of SAC, among the stakeholders…the BSG Communities who have supported the airport over many years, financially and otherwise, and the citizens of NL whose tax dollars, by way of a Provincial line of credit, have kept the doors open those many years. 

The Board of Directors of SAC, have not once, communicated in any way with stakeholders. This volunteer Board has a clear ‘Duty to Inform’ as well as a Fiduciary Duty to the enterprise itself. Stakeholders have been completely ignored. This is unacceptable, and in the interest of the Communities of BSG, and Western NL, we believe it is crucial that we have open and transparent access to information regarding this proposal, and it’s potential effect on our communities.  It is inconceivable that the Board of SAC have any right to ‘sell’ this property without communication or consultation with the stakeholders.

The NL economy is poised to see unprecedented growth in the future, with projects in the Wind Energy, Hydrogen, Mining, and Oil and Gas sectors. The airport is a valuable asset to all these industries, with its proximity to the Port of Stephenville.  Stakeholders must be given opportunity to ask questions and receive answers to those questions. The Stephenville Airport is a public use, non-share capital, community owned enterprise, governed in trust for the communities it serves by a volunteer Board. Stakeholders have every right to consultation regarding any transaction affecting its future.

We request that representatives from the SAC Board of Directors, the Greater NL Partnership, and the Town Council of Stephenville, convene a Public Information session in the near future, in the interest of openness and transparency…to answer many questions about the future of our facility, the Stephenville International Airport. We believe that the benefits of any proposed transaction must be clearly explained, as well as drawbacks and risks associated with any change in Governance, such as proposed by the Greater NL Partnership. We believe a public information session can only foster greater understanding and trust between the community, and the parties to the proposed transaction.

Sincerely,

Concerned Stakeholders of the Stephenville International Airport.