April 29, 2022             Ottawa             Transport Canada

As Canada works towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, investments in our aviation industry help ensure it is well-positioned to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. Our airports and air carriers continue to play a crucial role in maintaining safety, security, and connectivity for travellers, workers and communities.  

Today, Canada's Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Canada's Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, the Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs, the Honourable Greg Rickford, and the Ontario Minister of Transportation, the Honourable Caroline Mulroney, announced funding to maintain essential air access for remote communities in Ontario, including First Nation communities.

In addition to the more than $16.2 million in federal funding already provided in response to the pandemic, the Government of Canada is investing over $5.4 million to support these air services.

Over the last two years, Ontario provided over $14 million in annual funding to operate remote airports. The province also provided an additional $4 million to ensure the continued safe and uninterrupted operations of remote airports during the pandemic.

This financial contribution will help maintain air transportation services to remote First Nation communities in Ontario to ensure continued access to essential goods and services, including community resupply of food and medical supplies.