Ottawa Invests $2M to Modernize Security at Whitehorse Airport
The Government of Canada is injecting just over $2 million into the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport for the purchase of a new aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle.
The announcement was made today by Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, on behalf of Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon.
“The Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is essential for the people of the Yukon, as it supports both our communities and our local businesses,” explained Brendan Hanley, Yukon MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and Arctic Affairs.
“This investment will strengthen the airport’s capacity to ensure safe and reliable operations, while supporting regional economic growth and keeping communities connected,” said Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. “By investing in our airports and transport network, we are building a stronger and more united Canada.”
The new vehicle will replace the airport’s current equipment, which was acquired by the Yukon government 20 years ago and has reached the end of its useful life cycle. This funding comes from Transport Canada’s Airport Capital Assistance Program.
Project and Program Highlights:
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Objective: The investment aims to guarantee rapid response times in emergencies, strengthen airport security, and support connectivity as well as the Yukon economy.
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Funding History: Since the creation of the Airport Capital Assistance Program in 1995, this airport has received more than $12.3 million from the federal government for eight security-related projects.
Nationwide, this federal program has invested more than $1.3 billion since 1995, funding a total of 1,288 infrastructure and equipment projects at 201 local and regional airports.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Quebec announces $90-million investment for seven Nunavik airports, Eye on the Arctic
