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Mr. Speaker, NWT airports are critical to the economic and social well-being of NWT residents. They help to connect communities and families throughout the territory and across the country. Today I am pleased to give you an update on two projects which have been funded by the Government of Canada’s Airport Capital Assistance Program. These projects are very important to the Department of Infrastructure and to residents as they will help to improve safety at NWT airports.

The Airport Capital Assistance Program, known as ACAP [“A-CAP”], is a contribution program administered by Transport Canada. ACAP provides financial assistance to modernize and maintain the safe operation of regional airports for passengers and employees alike.

Last year, Transport Canada announced almost 20 million dollars in ACAP funding at three NWT airports. This figure includes:

• 2.7 million dollars toward the rehabilitation of the airfield electrical system at the Fort Simpson Airport;
• 2 million dollars toward the rehabilitation of airfield drainage at the Yellowknife Airport; and
• 15 million dollars to fund the overlay of the existing airside surfaces at the Fort Smith Airport.

Currently, Yellowknife Airport Drainage work is making excellent progress, the first phase of project was completed in the Fall of 2021.  Design work for the replacement of the Fort Simpson airfield lighting has been completed and the construction tender is currently in the procurement phase.  The Department of Infrastructure has also recently awarded a Design and Engineering Services contract for the airside surfaces overlay project at the Fort Smith Airport.

Mr. Speaker, previous successful ACAP submissions allowed us to purchase a new snow blower for the Inuvik Airport, replace the airfield lighting of one of the Yellowknife Airport runways, and purchase a fire truck for the Yellowknife Airport’s fire department. The vehicle was recently delivered and will be a valuable tool for firefighters.

To date, the Department of Infrastructure has received ACAP funding totalling over 50 million dollars for 17 projects at 11 different NWT airports.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to building capacity at airports to support safe and efficient travel and to enhance business opportunities. The Airport Capital Assistance Program is critical to this commitment, and we appreciate the support of the Federal Government of Canada in helping us to maintain safe, modern, and reliable infrastructure in the North.

Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.