Yukon diverts 3.56 million to its aviation industry to help in pandemic loss

WHITEHORSE — Yukon is diverting $3.56 million from its federal government support to the territory's aviation sector to help compensate for revenues lost during the pandemic.

The territory says the money is Yukon's portion of federal support announced on April 14.

It says in a statement that Air North will receive $1.1 million of the funds over three months to ensure continued operation on critical routes to the North.

The government is also waiving commercial fees that it says will save aviation businesses about $780,000.

Highways Minister Richard Mostyn says Yukon's airlines are critical to northern lifestyles, connecting communities and getting residents medical services and needed goods.

Wendy Tayler, president of Northern Air Transportation Industry, says the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on Yukon's aviation industry and the government support will help businesses through the crisis.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 4, 2020.

 

The Canadian Press

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