Stephenville Airport Corporation is receiving $150,000 from the federal government to maintain regional connectivity and jobs
News release
Targeted ACOA support for Western Newfoundland’s air ecosystem will help maintain jobs, re-establish regional connections
August 12, 2021 · Stephenville, NL · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Regional air transportation is crucial to local economic growth, movement of goods and connectivity of Canadians across the country. The pandemic has had major impacts on regional air transportation ecosystems, impacting 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.
Federal government supports operating capital, establishing routes
With this in mind, Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, today announced $150,000 in financial support for the Stephenville Airport Corporation (SAC).
The SAC oversees the management and operation of the Stephenville Airport, located on the west coast of Newfoundland, providing safe and accessible aviation services and facilities to the travelling public and businesses of Western Newfoundland. This non-repayable contribution will enable the SAC to maintain operations and essential services and continue collaborating with various carriers to re-establish routes, flight frequencies and capacity to the region, while at the same time maintaining 12 full-time 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 both 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 Stephenville Airport Corporation continues to work diligently to maintain its foothold in Newfoundland and Labrador’s aviation network, supporting business growth and economic development for the west coast of our province. This funding will help protect jobs and work to secure a bright and prosperous future for the facility as we work together to move towards recovery.”
- Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
Today we especially want to thank the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA as well as Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains. These funds will assist us in maintaining operations at our airport as we continue to explore new opportunities following the Pandemic.-Trevor Murphy, Chair, Board of Directors, Stephenville Airport Corporation
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 SMEs and non-profit organizations—in developing and implementing enhanced services for improved regional connectivity.
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The RATI complements measures implemented by Transport Canada.
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The Stephenville Airport Corporation (SAC) was incorporated in 1990 to market the Stephenville Airport and facilitate the development of associated businesses. The airport is a critical piece of infrastructure that supports economic growth and development for Western Newfoundland.
Associated links
Contacts
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Newfoundland and Labrador
709-689-5731
Lew Short
Manager, Stephenville Airport
709-649-7585
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