Moncton Airport is receiving $4,800,000 from federal government to maintain regional connectivity and jobs 

News release

Moncton, N.B., August 11, 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 Moncton Airport

With this in mind, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Member of Parliament for Beauséjour, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, today announced $4,800,000 in financial support for the Greater Moncton International Airport Authority (GMIAA). The GMIAA provides air travel services for the residents of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, air cargo, as well as commercial services and an international flight school. This non-repayable contribution will enable it to mitigate economic hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and maintain operations and essential services.

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 Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc airport is a critical piece of infrastructure that supports business growth and economic development throughout this region. The funding announced today will help the GMIAA maintain essential services and jobs as we move toward a strong post-pandemic recovery. I look forward to seeing the Airport thriving once again, bringing people from far and wide to enjoy all we have to offer here in New Brunswick and beyond.”
- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Member of Parliament for Beauséjour

“The federal government has been a very strong supporter of airports such as the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport throughout the pandemic. The $4.8 million in RATI funding being provided will help ensure our continued financial sustainability and recovery from the pandemic’s impact.”
- Bernard LeBlanc, President & CEO Greater Moncton International Airport Authority Inc.

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 RATI 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
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA
dominique.bouchard@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Bernard LeBlanc
President and CEO, Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport
506-856-5440
bleblanc@cyqm.ca

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