As Canada's air sector works towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, investments in our airport infrastructure are crucial to keeping travellers, workers, and communities safe.
Today, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Annie Koutrakis, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced new funding to help the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airport will receive more than $1.7 million from the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program to expand one of the airport's aprons, where aircraft park, to create additional space for the movement of larger aircraft. The funding will also be used to improve flight scheduling and connection times between flights for passengers, as well as establishing dedicated corridors to enable physical distancing at the airport.
This funding is in addition to the $10.9 million provided under the program in August 2021, for the rehabilitation of the primary runway and apron pavement surfaces, the installation of new LED runway edge lights, and the replacement of select storm drains.
The Government of Canada also provided the airport with $2.8 million from Transport Canada's Airport Relief Fund to help it maintain continued airport operations and essential air services for residents and workers in Saskatoon and surrounding communities.
The pandemic highlighted the important role Canada's airports play in our country's economy, and in sustaining the social and economic well-being of our communities. These investments will improve access to safe, reliable and efficient air transportation options, and will help us deliver our commitment to build safer, healthier and stronger communities as Canada recovers from the pandemic.
