The federal government says it is ensuring residents from remote communities across Canada continue to access essential services.
A press release says air carriers servicing the communities are experiencing as much as a 90 per cent decline of passengers as a result of COVID-19. Revenue from passengers is necessary to cover the costs of operating flights and the delivery of essential cargo.
To ensure the deliveries continue for the next six months, the federal government with contributions from the provinces and territories, is establishing a $75 million program.
Around $174 million is being invested for up to 18 months, if necessary.
The funding aims to provide remote communities with the minimum level of essential transportation services and the continued supply of food, medical supplies and other essential goods.
A fixed amount of funding will be allocated by province or territory based on historical passenger volumes into remote communities, the release says.
The funding will support the following NWT communities:
- Aklavik
- Colville Lake
- Délı̨nę
- Fort Good Hope
- Fort McPherson
- Fort Simpson
- Fort Smith
- Gamètì
- Hay River
- Inuvik
- Łutselk’e
- Nahanni Butte
- Norman Wells
- Paulatuk
- Sachs Harbour
- Sambaa K’e
- Tuktoyaktuk
- Tulita
- Ulukhaktok
- Wekweètì
- Whatì
- Wrigley
