Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - PrairiesCan
Reliable and accessible air transportation is critical to get people and goods to communities of all sizes, and materials to remote worksites. The shortage of qualified pilots has been a persistent challenge for economic growth and development in Saskatchewan and Canada. Long waiting lists for candidates wanting to enter the field remains a problem. At the same time, aerospace manufacturing is needed to meet the demand for aircraft operators' supply and maintenance.
Today, the Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced new federal funding of $1.3 million to increase access to pilot training in two Saskatchewan cities, and to scale up aerospace manufacturing in an urban centre. These investments will help address labour market needs in aviation, advance specialized aerospace manufacturing, and build prairie prosperity with well-paying jobs.
Investments include:
- The Regina Flying Club, a not-for-profit organization, is receiving $250,000 to expand its commercial flight training program in Regina. These funds are being used to upgrade training aircraft, renovate classrooms and meeting areas, and sustain jobs for instructors and support staff.
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech) is receiving $450,000 to increase the efficiency of their Commercial Pilot program, including the purchase and installation of an ALSIM ALX Flight Simulator in Saskatoon. The new simulator will attract more students to the program and enable them to have greater access to more flight hours.
- Miccar Aerial Ltd. is receiving $600,000 in repayable funding to scale up business operations in Yorkton and help launch a new replacement aircraft commuter seat, targeted at air charter operators in Canada and the United States.
