The Government of Canada has agreed with the Government of Ontario to support essential air access to remote communities who rely on small carriers for essential goods and services, as well as access in and out of their communities.

In addition to the Canadian Government’s contribution of up to $11,134,000 for air services to remote communities to cover the period from 1 July to 31 December 2020, the Government of Ontario is investing $14.2 million to operate remote airports in 2020/ 21, including an additional $4 million this year to ensure continued safe operations during the pandemic.

Under the latest agreement the Government of Ontario will allocate funding to air operators to ensure the continued supply of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods and services to these communities. Additional funding could be provided and will depend on the needs of communities and the pace of recovery of air travel into remote communities.

There are 34 remote communities in Northern Ontario, 28 of which do not have year-round road access and rely on small commercial air carriers for essential services and goods.

“Ontario’s small air carriers play an essential role in connecting northern and remote communities with goods and critical services,” said the Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, Government of Ontario.  She added that the  announcement of additional support “builds on our government’s ongoing investment and support through our remote and northern airports programme, demonstrating our continued commitment to supporting communities in Northern Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.”

Canada’s Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, added that, “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. The agreement with the Government of Ontario will allow for reliable air services to keep remote communities in Ontario connected to the rest of the country.”

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