June 2nd, 2023

Mamakwa calls on Feds to address critical air service disruptions in Northern communities

QUEEN'S PARK - Ontario NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) expresses deep disappointment in Transport Canada's failure to address the regulatory challenges severely impacting northern First Nations across Kiiwetinoong, who as a result, are dealing with reduced flights impacting essential services. The new flight duty time regulations implemented by Transport Canada have reduced air services in the north, hindering access to medical aid and increasing the burden on First Nations populations to access the services they need. Urgent action is needed from the federal Minister of Transport to rectify this ongoing crisis.

"In a crisis, the Federal Minister of Transportation should be working with us to strengthen vital air service to northern and fly-in communities. These regulations are causing great harm to communities across the north, resulting in reduced access to essential services, and potential evacuation delays in the forest fire season.

Airports are lifelines to fly-in First Nations. Air carriers, service providers and First Nations wouldn't be in this position had they been consulted on these regulations in the first place. Instead, Transport Canada attempted to find a quick fix and gave air carriers and the communities depending on these flights a uniform solution that did not align with the community's needs.

The Coalition of Northern Air Services and Nishnawbe Aski Nation have already issued letters to the Minister urging immediate action but have yet to receive a response. It is time for Transport Canada to listen and take action before the situation escalates further."