The Canadian Government is working with other stakeholders including provincial and territorial governments, indigenous partners and the air industry to address the specific needs of remote communities that rely on small air carriers as the only year-round mode of transportation for essential goods, services and access in and out of the community. There are 140 communities with airports that were considered remote while designing this programme.
New measures include seeking bilateral agreements with provinces and territories to ensure continuity of service for at least six months and establishing a $75 million funding programme for the federal contribution for the six months and maintaining these essential services through an investment of up to $174 million over 18 months if needed.
Additional funding will depend on the needs of communities and the pace of recovery of air travel into remote communities. The funding will help ensure minimal levels of essential transportation services to remote communities, and ensure the continued supply of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods and services. Funding will be allocated to each jurisdiction with remote communities based on historic passenger volumes.
“While we continue to work together to limit the spread of COVID-19, we must also ensure remote communities continue to have the air connectivity they need for essential goods and services, travel and business. Our work with the provinces and territories on these measures will allow for reliable air services to keep remote communities connected to the rest of the country,” said the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport.
Meanwhile the Honourabel Marc Miller said: “Flights are an essential link for fly-in and remote First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities. This funding will go a long way in ensuring that fly-in communities have the essential services, goods and equipment they need to prevent and respond to any outbreak of COVID-19. Canada will keep working hard to ensure continuity of services.”
