Aug 3, 2021 | International
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
Regional air transportation is crucial to local economic growth, the movement of goods and the connectivity of Canadians across the country. The pandemic has had a major impact on regional air transportation ecosystems, affecting local communities and businesses from coast to coast to coast.
Launched in March 2021, the Government of Canada’s Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) supports access to air transportation and regional ecosystems. It allows existing air connections to be maintained and helps ensure that regional airports remain operational and are able to continue contributing to economic growth in the regions, while adapting to new post–COVID-19 realities and requirements.
New routes being considered to serve the Gaspésie region
With this in mind, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, acting on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED, today announced that the Government of Canada intends to provide the Rocher-Percé RCM (regional county municipality) with a $563,195 non‑repayable contribution for its airport, which plays a key role in the region’s economic development, including tourism.
With a total investment of $938,659, this project will enable the development of solutions aimed at improving connectivity in the Gaspésie region, specifically through the introduction of new routes, to remain in service even in winter; it will also lead to the creation of three jobs. The project involves the acquisition of an aircraft de-icing and anti-icing truck and a wheel loader.
Founded in 1986, the Rocher-Percé airport is operated and maintained by the Rocher‑Percé RCM. Located in Grande-Rivière, 35 km from the town of Percé, the airport serves the entire RCM. It handles up to 600 aircraft movements and over 2,000 passengers annually. The airport has an air terminal, sells fuel, and provides storage and long-term parking services. Following a major investment in 2020, the airport now has a runway that can accommodate larger aircraft such as Boeing 737s.
Regional air transportation is key to the economic development of communities and businesses right across Canada. It is essential to connecting Canadians living in rural and remote communities with urban centres; delivering Canadian goods on global markets; and welcoming international visitors to all parts of the country, once it is safe to do so.
Quotes
“The crisis of the past year has been difficult for all of us—and for our regional airports in particular. The Percé airport, which is key to the economic development of our beautiful Gaspé Peninsula, has definitely been hard hit. One of the Government of Canada’s priorities is to ensure the prosperity of communities. I am therefore delighted that we are supporting the Rocher-Percé RCM which, with the help of our financial assistance, will be able to maintain the operations of its airport and improve the airport’s infrastructure. This is excellent news for the people of the region.”
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue
“Our plan to rebuild a stronger and more resilient economy includes better air connectivity in all regions, and so we need to protect our regional air transportation systems. They are vital to healthy and inclusive economic growth; they employ thousands of workers, and many businesses and communities rely on them. Our government is there to support them during these difficult times—for us, it’s more than important, it’s fundamental.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED
Quick facts
The RATI, administered by the regional development agencies (RDAs), has a national budget of $206 million.
The Initiative supports regional air ecosystems—which include regional air carriers and airports, as well as SMEs and non-profit organizations—in developing and implementing enhanced services for improved regional connectivity.
The funding announced today is conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement between CED and the Rocher-Percé RCM.
The RATI complements measures implemented by Transport Canada.
Associated links
Regional Air Transportation Initiative in Quebec
Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Information
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
dec.media.ced@canada.ca
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca
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Jul 21, 2021 | International
Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, have approved a formal Request for Federal Assistance from the Province of Manitoba to help with firefighting efforts across the province.
July 20, 2021
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, have approved a formal Request for Federal Assistance from the Province of Manitoba to help with firefighting efforts across the province.
The number of wildfires that Manitoba has experienced since the beginning of the year is well above the seasonal average and has resulted in over 500,000 hectares burned. This has placed a considerable strain on local and provincial firefighting resources.
The Government of Canada is responding to this request by sending personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces to assist with extinguishing hot spots on contained fires and building fire lines to contain priority fires, which will help relieve the pressure on firefighters already on the ground.
The Government Operations Centre is coordinating the federal response to wildfires in Manitoba and across the country. Partners from across the federal and provincial government will work closely to coordinate this assistance.
“The Government of Canada always stands ready to help the provinces and territories. We are pleased to be able to provide assistance with the ongoing wildfires in Manitoba. The people of Manitoba are top of mind as you continue to manage the difficult wildfire situation in the province.”
– The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“The Canadian Armed Forces continue to provide critical assistance and protection to Canadians threatened by the recent natural disasters. In response to requests for assistance from the province of Manitoba, approximately 120 Canadian Armed Forces members will help provincial wildfire service staff with vital firefighting efforts.”
– The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
“Manitoba is grateful for the support from other jurisdictions, and appreciates assistance in our time of need. The reciprocal nature of our firefighting efforts has been key to tackling challenges such as the current fire season.”
– Sarah Guillemard, Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Climate
Madeleine Gomery
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-292-0370
madeleine.gomery@ps-sp.gc.ca
Daniel Minden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
613-996-3100
daniel.minden@forces.gc.ca
Jul 10, 2021 | International
As the country continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada is in regular contact with provinces and territories to assess the needs of each region and provide assistance.
July 10, 2021
Ottawa, ON
As the country continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada is in regular contact with provinces and territories to assess the needs of each region and provide assistance.
Today, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Bill Blair, and the Minister of Health, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, and the Minister of Northern Affairs, the Honourable Dan Vandal, confirmed that the Government of Canada has approved a request for assistance from the Government of Yukon to support COVID-19 efforts in the community.
Public Safety Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada and Indigenous Services Canada are working with the Government of Yukon to send more public health professionals to help with coordination and contact tracing, social supports, as well as to ship laboratory equipment and personal protective equipment.
The Government Operations Centre is coordinating the federal response to the situation in Yukon. Canadians can be assured that all orders of government are working together to deliver the required help in response to this COVID-19 outbreak.
“The Government of Canada always stands ready to help the provinces and territories. We are pleased to be able to provide assistance to the citizens of Yukon in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank responding partners at all levels of government and the Canadian Red Cross for their commitment to caring for Canadians.”
– The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“The federal government continues to work closely with all provinces and territories to provide any support needed in the fight against COVID-19. This approval of the request for assistance from Yukon for additional health services and other supports is another example of our close collaboration in protecting the health and safety of Canadians. I would also like to encourage everyone to continue doing their part to help control the spread of COVID-19 by following the advice of their local public health officials, and getting vaccinated when it is their turn.”
-The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health
“Our government recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect communities across Canada, including Yukon. With the approval of this request for assistance our government will continue to be there to support Yukon in stopping the spread of this virus and keep people safe. I want to thank the front line workers, public health officials and Indigenous and Territory partners for their continued leadership. By working together, providing needed resources, and continuing the vaccination campaign, we will get through this challenging time together.
-The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
Feb 26, 2021 | Health and Wellness, International
The Government of Canada is taking steps to ensure more people in Canada are vaccinated more quickly, and continues to work to give Canadians access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.
Following Health Canada’s authorization of the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 COVID-19 vaccine, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced today that Canada has secured 2 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine through an agreement with Verity Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc./Serum Institute of India.
AstraZeneca has licensed the manufacture of its ChAdOx1 vaccine to the Serum Institute. The first 500,000 doses will be delivered to Canada in the coming weeks and will quickly be ready for distribution to the provinces and territories. The remaining 1.5 million doses will arrive by mid-May.
The 2 million doses secured through this agreement are in addition to the 20 million doses already secured through an earlier agreement with AstraZeneca. Health Canada’s authorization of the AstraZeneca vaccine allows the Government of Canada to advance its work with AstraZeneca to finalize delivery schedules for the 20 million doses.
This announcement further solidifies Canada’s plan to be able to provide a vaccine to everyone in Canada for whom these COVID-19 vaccines are recommended, by the end of September.
“The Government of Canada continues to do everything possible to protect Canadians from COVID-19. This includes securing a highly diverse and extensive portfolio of vaccines and taking all necessary measures to ready the country to receive them. We remain fully on track to ensure that there will be a sufficient supply so that every eligible Canadian who wants a vaccine will have access to one by the end of September. I am grateful for the collaboration of our partners in India to finalize this agreement, and I look forward to continuing to work closely together in the weeks ahead.”
