Government of Canada Supports Development of Air Transportation Service for Saskatchewan

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - July 30, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular) and Member of Parliament for Blackstrap, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced an investment to support the expanded development of flight service to Saskatoon and Regina from U.S. airports.

Federal funding of $330,000, through the Western Diversification Program (WDP), will support the Saskatoon Airport Authority and Regina Airport Authority in their marketing efforts as they actively pursue air service development with airlines that have an interest in the Saskatchewan market.

Saskatchewan residents, business travelers and tourists will benefit from increased access to flights in and out of Saskatchewan, encouraging economic activity and business growth within the province.

Quick Facts

• Adequate air service is crucial for the continued growth and development of the Saskatchewan economy.
• Saskatchewan is the world headquarters for Viterra, Potash Corp, Brandt Industries, Cameco and others, and has international offices for corporations like Evraz, BHP Billiton, Mosaic, Bayer Science, ISM Canada (an IBM company) and Areva.
• Saskatchewan welcomes over 1.2 million leisure visits each year, of which many take the opportunity to enjoy the province's large selection of music festivals, sporting events, ranch and agricultural experiences, national and international events, as well as culinary, heritage, arts and cultural activities, including an estimated 25,000 tourists who come to enjoy sport fishing and hunting between June and December.

Quotes

"Saskatchewan has become an international destination for business and tourism. Our Government is proud to support the development of flight service for our province so that we can continue to grow economy, create jobs, and secure long-term economic growth."

- The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular) and Member of Parliament for Blackstrap

"Saskatoon Airport Authority is pleased to work with Regina Airport Authority to improve air connectivity to our province, backed by the support of the Government of Canada. Our focus will remain on improving connectivity with increased frequencies and potential new routes for our community."

- Stephen Maybury, President and CEO, Saskatoon Airport Authority

"Regina Airport Authority and Saskatoon Airport Authority are aligned in our commitment to improve air travel connections between the United States and our gateway airports. We are delighted to have the support of the Government of Canada on this initiative to grow our provincial economy and expand leisure travel experiences."

- Dick Graham, President and CEO, Regina Airport Authority

Additional Links

- WD investment in marketing for Europe and Asia air charters

- Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport

- Regina International Airport

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