Fredericton International Airport Authority Inc. is receiving $3.8 million from the federal government to maintain regional connectivity and jobs
News release
Fredericton, New Brunswick, July 29, 2021 – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
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.
Maintaining service at the Fredericton International Airport
With this in mind, Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, today announced $3.8 million in financial support for the Fredericton International Airport Authority Inc. This organization provides services to manage and develop the Fredericton Airport and generate economic activity. This non-repayable contribution will allow the airport to maintain essential services and collaborate with various carriers to continue or re-establish routes to the region, as well as sustain 16 jobs.
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.
Quotes
“It is important to protect our regional air transportation ecosystems for the thousands of workers employed by this sector and for the many businesses and communities that depend on it. We know that air connectivity to all regions is essential to healthy, inclusive economic growth, and supporting it is part of our plan to build back a stronger, more resilient economy.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Fredericton International Airport Authority Inc. is a critical piece of infrastructure that supports business growth and economic development for the greater Fredericton area. This funding will help the airport maintain essential services and jobs as we move toward a post-pandemic recovery. I look forward to seeing the Fredericton International Airport thriving once again, bringing people from far and wide to enjoy all we have to offer here in the capital city.”
Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton
“The Fredericton International Airport is essential for the economic vitality of our community. We appreciate the Government of Canada’s support, which will enable our airport to continue operating safely, connecting businesses in central and western New Brunswick to the world and bringing families and friends together again.”
Johanne Gallant, President and CEO, Fredericton International Airport Authority
Quick facts
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The Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI), administered by the regional development agencies (RDAs), has a national budget of $206 million.
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The Initiative supports regional air ecosystems—which include regional air carriers and airports, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations—in developing and implementing enhanced services for improved regional connectivity.
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The funding announced today is conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement between the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Greater Fredericton Airport Authority Inc.
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The Regional Air Transportation Initiative complements measures implemented by Transport Canada.
Associated links
Contacts
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca
Dominique Bouchard
Communications Officer
ACOA
dominique.bouchard@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Johanne Gallant
President and CEO
Fredericton International Airport Authority
gallantj@yfcfredericton.ca
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