The Canadian Commercial Corporation has added its voice to the growing controversy surrounding plans to build a new airport in Bermuda.

The company issued a statement this afternoon, just an hour after the People’s Campaign made public a raft of communication obtained on the Bermuda Government’s deal to redevelop LF Wade International Airport.

The statement, from CCC’s president and CEO Martin Zablocki, said: “The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), a Canadian Crown corporation, through discussions with Aecon was alerted to the exciting opportunity to redevelop the L.F. Wade International Airport.

“As standard procedure when opportunities are identified in this way, CCC assessed the viability of the project with the Government of Bermuda to ensure that it was a good fit for this unique contracting approach. CCC also ensured that the supplier had the ability to successfully pass its rigorous due diligence process, including an integrity compliance review by a committee within CCC and an assessment of the supplier’s technical, managerial and financial capability.

The statement continued: “As a past supplier on a similar project, CCC was aware that Aecon has substantial experience and a strong track record in developing, financing and operating transportation infrastructure projects in Canada and globally. CCC stands by its decision to work with Aecon as the prime Canadian subcontractor to CCC in support of the Bermuda Government’s aim to solve the complex challenge to deliver a first tier airport.

“CCC is committed to the highest standards of bilateral co-operation and ethical business practices with regard to the development of this project and looks forward to working together with the Government of Bermuda on a tailor-made solution to the pressing need to redevelop the LF Wade International Airport.”