A plea for improvements to Ontario’s northern airports.
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa says many airports in remote parts of the province are inadequate.
Most have gravel runways, aging terminal buildings and a lack of staff to properly manage them.
“Safety is a big concern at these airports,” says Mamakwa.
“But here in Toronto, the Premier’s priority is buying a jet that can’t land at any of them.”
Mamakwa adds that the airports are lifelines for the First Nations who rely on them.
But he says air passenger service has become too expensive for many.
“I checked on a flight from Big Trout Lake, one-way ticket from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug to Thunder Bay, today cost $1,800, one-way,” says Mamakwa.
The NDP member says the provincial government should be investing in northern Ontario’s air transportation system instead of in plans for the Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sakaria says they are working to improve the airports and develop more infrastructure.
“We’ll also work with our federal partners on any remote airports or airports in general, as they are partners in all of those projects with this province,” says Sakaria.
He adds northern Ontario will benefit from the province’s plans for the Billy Bishop Airport.
He notes that area municipal leaders are excited about the expansion plans, saying they will improve access to communities that are not often serviced.
“So as we build out this plan to support communities in the north to provide passengers, air passengers with more options, for cheaper options because of more competition in the market, the north will be a key part of that,” says Sakaria.
