News Release

Ontario Government Funding Strengthens Air Service To the Far North

July 28, 2006

McGuinty Government On The Side Of Northerners
 
THUNDER BAY – The McGuinty government is helping to improve air services into the Far North by supporting a Thunder Bay airline’s recent infrastructure investment.

The announcement was made today by Bill Mauro, Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP, and Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle on behalf of Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci

“Air transportation is a vital link to health, social and business services for residents of Ontario’s Far North,” said Mauro. “I am delighted that our government is helping retain these jobs here in Northwestern Ontario and expand an industry that so many Far North communities rely on.”

“We are committed to building opportunity and prosperity in Northern Ontario,” said Gravelle. “The McGuinty government’s investments in the northern private sector are important components of our government’s plan to enrich northern communities by supporting new and established businesses and creating new jobs.” 

The province is providing a total of $2 million to NAC Air LP for the company’s newly constructed hangar at Thunder Bay’s airport. The First Nations-owned company offers scheduled, charter and cargo air service to 15 First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario, as well as to Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Winnipeg. The new hangar and offices will allow the airline to streamline operations and plan for future expansion of its business, which employs approximately 115 part time and full time employees.  Provincial funding is flowing equally from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Northern Ontario Grow Bonds business loan pilot program launched last year.

Other major initiatives by the McGuinty government for northerners include:

•  Providing $900 million in assistance for the forestry industry;
•  Opening the first Northern Ontario School of Medicine to train doctors in the North, so they  will practice in the North;
•  Investing $2.2 million toward the new Cancer and Cardiac Research Centre in Thunder Bay.

This project is part of the government’s Northern Prosperity Plan for building stronger northern communities. The Northern Prosperity Plan has four pillars: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister’s Office – Sudbury
(705) 564-7454 

Michel Lavoie 
MNDM/NOHFC – Sudbury
(705) 564-7125

www.nohfc.com 

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