THUNDER BAY — The leadership of Nishnawbe Aski Nation is welcoming recently-announced government support for air carriers that serve remote First Nations.
Canada and Ontario together will provide up to $11 million to help small airlines serving communities in the province's Far North during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a news release Wednesday, NAN said the pandemic has drastically reduced passenger service due to community lockdowns and travel restrictions.
"The survival of these small carriers is necessary to ensure the continuity of essential supplies and services throughout the pandemic and into the future," the statement said.
NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said the governments' announcement addresses inequities in services for First Nations and improves their quality of life.
"We look to both levels of government to ensure these commitments will transcend beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to provide future enhancements," Fiddler said.
The statement noted that the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario owns and operates 27 remote airports serving NAN communities.
It said NAN has been a strong advocate for improvements to these airports to enhance navigational technology, increase staffing, and upgrade terminal buildings.
The province has said it is spending $14 million to operate remote airports this year, including an additional $4 million related to COVID-19 expenditures.
