Released on November 4, 2019
Week of November 3 - 9, 2019
The Government of Saskatchewan has officially proclaimed the week of November 3 through November 9 as Aviation and Aerospace Week. This is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions made by the aviation sector in the province.
“Private and commercial aviation, including aerial applicators, play an important role in some of our largest industries such as agriculture, mining and energy,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit said. “Aviation also helps improve the quality of life in Saskatchewan and is an important partner in providing public services.”
Air travel provides access to jobs and services such as the justice system, health care and air ambulances to transport critically-ill patients quickly, particularly in remote northern communities. It is also essential during times of crisis to evacuate communities during forest fires and floods.
“For 30 years, the Saskatchewan Aviation Council (SAC) has been the voice of our industry’s men and women, making contributions to Saskatchewan on a daily basis,” SAC Council President Janet Keim said. “Saskatchewan’s aviation and aerospace industry has a major impact, accounting for 2.1 per cent of provincial GDP and 15,000 jobs.”
Saskatchewan has numerous companies which offer aerospace and manufacturing solutions. The province is also the home of the NATO Flying Training in Canada program near Moose Jaw. The technological advances being made in our province contribute to national security and safe and reliable air transportation.
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure owns, operates and maintains 16 airports in northern Saskatchewan. The ministry also administers the Community Airports Partnership (CAP). Under CAP, a total of $700,000 in matching grants is made available each year for improvements at municipal and community-owned airports that are not eligible for federal funding.
More than $7 million has been invested in community airports since 2007, generating about $14 million in airport improvements. A total of 36 different communities have benefited since its inception.
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For more information, contact:
Steve Shaheen
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-933-5641
Email: steve.shaheen@gov.sk.ca