The global COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for Northern and remote communities which depend on supply chains for the delivery of essential goods and services. As the pandemic evolves, the Government of Canada continues to work with partners, including provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous communities and the air industry, to address the unique needs of these communities.

July 22, 2021               Ottawa               Transport Canada

The global COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for Northern and remote communities which depend on supply chains for the delivery of essential goods and services. As the pandemic evolves, the Government of Canada continues to work with partners, including provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous communities and the air industry, to address the unique needs of these communities.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, the Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, the Honourable Jim Carr, and the Minister of Highways for the Government of Saskatchewan, the Honourable Fred Bradshaw, announced that the Government of Canada is providing an additional $1.167 million to the Government of Saskatchewan to continue the support of essential air services for remote communities in Saskatchewan.

The funding announced today is in addition to the $1.592 million provided to the Government of Saskatchewan in 2020, to maintain essential air services to remote communities.

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

The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will continue to collaborate to ensure essential transportation and supply chains for northern and remote communities are protected for the health, safety and well-being of all Canadians.

Valérie Glazer

Director of Communications

Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra

Minister of Transport, Ottawa

Valérie.Glazer@tc.gc.ca

Media Relations

Transport Canada, Ottawa

613-993-0055

media@tc.gc.ca

Patrick Book

Senior Communications Consultant

Government of Saskatchewan

639-590-5641

patrick.book@gov.sk.ca