THOMPSON, MB, Nov. 14, 2024 /CNW/ – Safe and reliable airports are crucial connections for local and regional communities across Canada. Investments in airports support economic and business development, improve aviation services and safety, and enhance access to Canada’s remote and Indigenous communities.

Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, announced that the Government of Canada is strengthening air safety and connectivity at the Thompson Regional Airport.

Through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, the federal government is providing $30 million to the Thompson Regional Airport for the construction of a new apron, two new taxiways (one paved and one gravel), and new drainage and electrical systems.

Due to warming temperatures, the permafrost has been destabilized, leading to the existing apron and taxiway having inadequate pavement strength to support essential aircraft. The new apron and taxiways will be built on stable bedrock and include the application of an innovative engineering technique to strengthen the permafrost. This will increase the bearing strength of the subgrade in cold weather.

These projects will enhance safety for passengers, crews and airport workers. They will also support year-round connectivity and supply chain resiliency for the 37 northern communities served by the Thompson Regional Airport, including 15 remote Indigenous communities only accessible by air and ice roads.

Quotes

“Canada’s regional and remote airports are critical links in our supply chains. These airports strengthen our local economies and support Canadian businesses. This investment in the Thompson Regional Airport helps us build stronger and more connected communities in the North, with more delivery of essential goods and increased trade and travel.”   

The Honourable Anita Anand
President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport  

“The Thompson Regional Airport is an important hub for essential passenger and cargo services to remote and Indigenous communities in northern Manitoba and western Nunavut. This investment will help ensure that these communities have year-round access to safe and reliable air services for delivery of essential goods and services, for business and trade, and for travel between Northern communities, and throughout Canada.”

The Honourable Dan Vandal
Minister of Northern Affairs, and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor

“We are incredibly grateful for the funding provided by the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). This significant investment in the new Thompson Airport will greatly enhance our safety, security, and operational efficiency. The improvements to our airfield lighting systems, runways, and terminal facilities are critical to ensuring that we can continue to serve our community and the surrounding region effectively. With the ACAP’s support, we are confident that Thompson Regional Airport will be well-equipped to meet the current and future needs of our passengers and stakeholders.”

Curtis Ross
CEO/CDO Thompson Regional Airport Authority

Quick Facts

• Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program provides federal funding to help eligible airports finance capital projects and equipment that will help them maintain safety.
• Eligible projects include the purchase/replacement of heavy airside mobile equipment (snow blowers, snowplows, runway sweepers, loaders and material spreaders) and aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles, associated equipment and shelters, the rehabilitation of runway, taxiway and apron pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems, and the installation of wildlife fencing.
• Since its launch in 1995, the Airports Capital Assistance Program has committed almost $1.3 billion for 1,268 projects at 201 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country.
• This funding is in addition to a $52-million investment announced by the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) in November 2023 to support the redevelopment of the Thompson Regional Airport. The project is under construction and includes the replacement of the air terminal building, extension of sewer lines from the new building to an expanded lagoon, non-airside-related infrastructure such as parking lots and service roads, as well as airside-related infrastructure such as a new apron and taxiways.

Associated Link

• Airports Capital Assistance Program

Visit Transport Canada’s website. 

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 24, 2024 /CNW/ – Companies from around the world know that Canada’s aerospace industry is a global leader in the field. That’s why, the Government of Canada is building the economy of the future, by creating good-paying jobs for Canadians, supporting our highly competitive sector and making key investments.

Earlier this week, the Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant Pablo Rodriguez, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne participated in the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. They met with key industry players and stakeholders in the aerospace, space and defence sectors.

Accompanied by a delegation of representatives from more than 30 Canadian companies, the Ministers took the opportunity to promote Canada as a premier destination for aerospace investments from around the world and highlight Canada as a green supplier of choice as the industry moves towards sustainable aviation and a greener supply chain.

While in Farnborough, the Ministers met with several industry leaders, including the CEOs of Airbus, Bell Textron and Boeing Defense, Space & Security, among others. The Ministers also took time to meet with the CEOs and representatives of several Canadian aerospace companies, including De Havilland, Bombardier, and CAE Inc.

Behind the industry’s international leadership in innovation are the talents of a highly skilled workforce and a commitment by the Government of Canada to work with industry to contribute to economic growth and prosperity through innovation, manufacturing, exports and services. 

While at the Farnborough Air Show, Minister Champagne engaged the industry on an Aerospace Strategy for Canada. As the Government of Canada continues to work on the development of this Strategy, it will look at important areas raised by industry leaders at the Farnborough International Airshow, such as workforce development, sustainable aviation fuel, defence, innovation and certification. Work will continue with other departments and engagements on the Strategy are ongoing.

In 2023, the Canadian aerospace industry contributed close to $29 billion in GDP and 218,000 jobs to the Canadian economy. Canada maintained its rank in the top five in civil flight simulators, civil engines, and civil aircraft sub-segments, underscoring the Canadian aerospace industry’s product range diversification and ranks first in R&D among all Canadian manufacturing industries, with R&D expenditures returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Quotes

“Canada is participating in the Farnborough International Airshow to help Canadian companies find business opportunities. Not only do they contribute to boosting massively the Canadian economy, but they make us proud internationally! Canada has a highly innovative aerospace industry, and we are proud to promote Canada as a world-class aerospace leader.”
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant

“This year’s Farnborough Airshow was a huge success and an opportunity to showcase why Canada is a strategic partner of choice for sustainable aviation and the destination for aerospace businesses to invest, create jobs and have a role in the development and use of the aircraft of the future. We will keep working with industry leaders preserving and strengthening Canada’s global leadership and competitiveness in the aerospace sector.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Quick Facts

• Canada is one of the top suppliers of aircraft technology, and Canadian-made aerospace parts are used on almost every passenger aircraft in the world.
• The aerospace industry is one of Canada’s leading exporters. In 2023, more than 75% of aerospace manufacturing revenues were export-oriented, and close to 60% of these revenues were supply chain–related.
• Aerospace invested over $1.2 billion in research and development in 2023, maintaining its ranking as top R&D spender among all Canadian manufacturing industries.
• The Farnborough Airshow is a global showcase for the aerospace industry that attracts over 1200 exhibitors from more than 44 countries.

Associated links

• State of Canada’s Aerospace Industry Report – Summer 2024
• Canada invests $350 million in national sustainable aviation innovation network

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. 

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 23, 2024 /CNW/ – Today, the Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez, issued the following statement to mark National Aviation Day:

“Aviation brings Canadian families closer together and opens our country to the world. It creates good middle-class jobs, gives Canadians access to crucial goods at affordable prices, and unites remote communities with all of Canada.  

“It was on February 23, 1909, that the Silver Dart took flight over Bras d’Or Lakes in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. That first powered flight changed travel in Canada forever—air travel became a reality, and an industry was born.

“On this National Aviation Day, I want to thank aviation workers across the industry for the crucial work that they do to ensure Canada has a safe and secure air transportation system. This high standard of safety could not be achieved without the dedication and hard work of all those who help maintain the safety and security of aviation for all Canadians. I’m taking this opportunity to thank all airline and airport employees, flight crews, engineers, air traffic controllers, maintenance workers and the many other workers involved.

“Every year on February 23, we take time to celebrate Canada’s rich aviation heritage and its countless achievements made in the aviation industry over the years. From the evolution of commercial air travel, making the world more accessible, to the development of cutting-edge aircraft and technologies, aviation continues to shape and transform the way we live and connect with each other.

“I also invite Canadian youth to discover the fascinating world of aviation and encourage them to consider a career in Canadian aviation. There are currently many opportunities for employment as well as rewarding fields of work to explore.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, please join me in celebrating National Aviation Day and the dedicated people that make it possible. Happy National Aviation Day.”

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. 

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 20, 2024 /CNW/ – The Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, issued this statement today to mark the third annual International Day for Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families:

“Today, on the third International Day for Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families, Canada joins the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the rest of the world to mourn those lost. This is a solemn day of pain and grief for all those who have lost friends and families in air disasters around the world.

“We offer our sympathies to those who grieve and acknowledge how their lives were forever changed.

“Air tragedies have struck many Canadians. The Government of Canada supports the families and loved ones left behind and is working with international partners to prevent future tragedies.

“Canada leads the Safer Skies Initiative, which aims to increase the safety and security of commercial airlines travelling in, or near, conflict zones. To this end, we co-hosted the third Safer Skies Forum with the Netherlands in June 2023. We are supporting Kenya as they prepare to host the next Safer Skies Forum in 2025. As a result of growing conflicts, Canada continues to actively engage with ICAO and members of the Safer Skies Consultative Committee to develop and deliver regional awareness seminars on conflict zone risk mitigation.

“We are also working with ICAO to improve air accident investigation protocols and enhance the transparency and credibility of these investigations. The objective is to make these protocols more effective in preventing future air disasters and increasing global civil aviation safety. 

“Today and every day, we invite all Canadians to join us in remembering victims of air tragedies and their families.”

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

QUEBEC, Feb. 9, 2024 /CNW/ – An efficient and reliable transportation system is essential to making life more affordable for Canadians. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to investing in our supply chains. 

Today, the Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, Pablo Rodriguez, announced an investment of up to $14.5 million through the National Trade Corridors Fund. The investment to Air Inuit Ltd. includes the construction of a new cargo warehouse and extension of the hangar bay for aircraft maintenance at the Kuujjuaq, Quebec, airport.

This project will allow the Kuujjuaq airport to:

• improve security of the north-south transportation corridor between Montreal and Nunavik and within the Nunavik region;
• improve the ability to preserve food security with larger storage capacities and build a more reliable supply chain; and
• increase economic development with added capacity to support business growth, infrastructure, and industries more efficiently.

The National Trade Corridors Fund invests in construction and research projects in the Arctic and Northern regions to support transportation infrastructure, including airports, roads, bridges, and airport facilities. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring northern communities get the affordable goods they need.

Quote

“We’re investing to reduce food losses caused by delays and to ensure a more stable and efficient supply of goods for people in the Arctic and Northern communities. With stronger supply chains, we’re helping people get the goods they need, when they need them, at a reasonable price.”

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant 

Quick Facts 

• An efficient and reliable transportation network is key to Canada’s economic growth. The Government of Canada, through the National Trade Corridors Fund, is making investments that will support the flow of goods across Canada’s supply chains.
• The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada. A total of $4.6 billion over 11 years (2017-2028) has been allocated to the program.
• The National Trade Corridors Fund invests in projects that address the unique and urgent transportation needs in Canada’s Arctic and North. The needs include:
  • climate resilience and access to markets,
  • creating social and economic opportunities,
  • access between communities and to essential services despite difficult terrain and severe climate conditions, and
  • the high cost of construction along Canada’s northern trade corridors.

Related Product

National Trade Corridors Fund Backgrounder 

OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 15, 2023 /CNW/ – All Canadians benefit from ample and diverse flight options, whether travelling for pleasure or business, or moving people and goods. The Government of Canada is working hard to expand Canada’s international air transport agreements to offer more choice and convenience for shippers and travellers.

The Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, today announced that Canada has recently expanded its air transport agreements with Ethiopia, Jordan and Türkiye. 

• The expanded agreement with Ethiopia allows seven weekly passenger flights for each country, up from five. It will support growing bilateral ties and stronger connectivity with Ethiopia, and enhanced access to sub-Saharan Africa.
• The expanded agreement with Jordan enables seven weekly passenger flights for each country, up from three. It will accommodate growing passenger demand between Canada and Jordan.
• The expanded agreement with Türkiye increases the number of weekly all-cargo flights to seven for each country, up from three.

The new rights under these agreements are available for use by airlines immediately.

Quotes

“We’re improving our international air connections to bring more people together and facilitate the movement of goods. Greater frequency and new routes enhance our supply chains.”

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Transport

“Strengthening Canada’s connectivity with international partners creates opportunities and open doors for Canadian businesses around the world. Today’s announcement will help advance our trade relationships, create new opportunities for our businesses and contribute to building a stronger economy.” 

The Honourable Mary Ng
Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

Quick facts

• These amended agreements were reached under Canada’s Blue Sky policy, which encourages long-term, sustainable competition and the development of international air services.
• Under the Blue Sky Policy, the Government of Canada has concluded new or expanded air transport agreements with more than 110 countries.

Associated link

Additional information on the Blue Sky policy

Transport Canada is online at tc.canada.ca. .