Winnipeg Public Has Much To Learn About James Armstrong Richardson

He wasn't a prime minister, he wasn't a celebrity. He was, all told, a "commoner," and that, apparently, isn't good enough for the Winnipeg public to have their airport renamed in his honor.

The Canadian government selected James Armstrong Richardson to grace Winnipeg's airport earlier this month, to the chagrin of more than ¾ of those who weighed in on a Winnipeg Free Press online poll. Perhaps, opines Free Press reporter Gordon Sinclair Jr., that's because the public is unaware of whom James Armstrong Richardson was.

James Armstrong Richardson was named to The Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame's as "Father of Commercial Aviation in Canada," and was the pioneering founder of what would become Canadian Airlines.

He founded Western Canada Airways Ltd. in 1926 and his carrier was the first national carrier to fly out of Stevenson airfield, which later would become Winnipeg International Airport.

"It is fitting that James Armstrong Richardson, an individual pivotal to our Canadian aviation heritage, be honored in this way," said Minister Cannon. "It is especially significant that this announcement comes at a time when the airport has embarked on major redevelopment, including construction of a new air terminal building. Aviation is and will remain an important part of the city's past, present and future."

"It is an honor to pay tribute to an aviation pioneer who founded Canada's first national carrier 80 years ago today," said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. "His aviation legacy began here at Canada's first international airport and we're proud to be part of that heritage."

"On behalf of the Richardson Family, the announcement of the naming of Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is indeed a wonderful honor," said son George Richardson. "My father was a true trailblazer and visionary in the field of Canadian commercial aviation and this recognition is indeed a very special tribute," he added.

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) is the eight busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic, serving 3.2 million passengers in 2005, and the 10th busiest airport by aircraft movements.

FMI: www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom  www.waa.ca  www.winnipegfreepress.com  www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com