Targeted FedNor support for regional transportation ecosystem in Kenora, Red Lake and Atikokan regions
March 18, 2022 - Kenora, ON - Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario - FedNor
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 major impacts on regional air transportation ecosystems, affecting communities and local businesses from coast to coast to coast.
The Government of Canada's Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI), launched in March 2021, supports access to air transportation and regional ecosystems. In particular, it enables the continuation of existing air routes and ensures airports remain operational and able to contribute to regional economic growth, while adapting to new post-COVID-19 realities and requirements.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, today announced more than $941,000 in financial support for three Northwestern Ontario airports. Of the total, the Kenora Airport Authority will receive $509,886, the Red Lake Airport $341,462 and the Township of Atikokan $90,000 for its municipal airport.
These non-repayable contributions will help mitigate the financial pressures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting airports to replace and/or repair outdated equipment and implement modernization measures to improve operations. The projects are designed to enhance safety and maintain air service.
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 to urban centres, delivering Canadian goods to the global market and welcoming international visitors to all parts of the country, when it is safe to do so.
