Canadians, tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained airports. From visiting friends and family, to travelling to medical appointments, or getting goods to market, we rely on our local airports to support and sustain vibrant communities. These airports also provide essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response.

“The Fort Smith Airport is an important transportation centre for residents and businesses in our Territory.  This investment helps ensure continued safe and reliable airport operations during the winter for Fort Smith residents, many of whom depend on the airport not only for personal travel and business, but also for access to emergency and specialized medical care in larger centres.”

Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories

“The Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes the announcement made today. The Northwest Territories’ airports are critical to the economic and social well-being of our residents and visitors. The investment announced today by the Government of Canada will help support the replacement of a key asset related to safety at the Fort Smith Airport.”

The Honourable Wally Schumann
Minister of Infrastructure and Industry, Tourism and Investment

“Our Government recognizes that local airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities. In addition to supporting travel and tourism, local airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. These investments will improve access to safe, efficient and accessible air transportation options, and will help us deliver on our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada.”

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

• This funding comes from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).

• Since the Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested more than $882.7 million for 948 projects at 186 airports across the country.

• To date, the Fort Smith Airport has received more than $2.4 million for the rehabilitation of airfield runway lighting and the purchase of snow-clearing equipment.

Associated links

• Airports Capital Assistance Program

Delphine Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Delphine.Denis@tc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca