QUEBEC, June 17, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – The Société du Plan Nord (SPN) and Air Inuit jointly invest $9.5 million build a new staff house for airline staff at Puvirnituq. This new building will make it possible to attract, mobilize and retain the personnel of the company that operates and serves the Nord-du-Québec region.
Mr. jonathan julienneMinister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord and Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions, and Christian Busch, President and CEO of Air Inuit, made the announcement today. The SPN will grant $3.2 million towards this project, while Air Inuit will cover the rest $6.3 million To complete this project.
The new building will better meet the growing demand for air transport in Nunavik and comply with new federal regulations on pilot fatigue management. Air Inuit needs to hire more staff to maintain operations and avoid service disruptions while mitigating the effects of increased pilot flight time limitations.
The future staff house will have 25 rooms, 15 more than are available in Air Inuit’s existing staff house. It will also feature private toilet blocks designed according to COVID-19 health guidelines.
This project will be carried out by Kautaq Construction. The environmental dimension of this project will be accentuated to optimize the use of local resources and limit the environmental impacts of the project. The new building should be inaugurated in 2023.
SPN Grants $3.2 million in funding under the Northern Action Plan 2020-2023 Opportunity Budget. This budget aims to respond to the issues and meet the needs of communities north of the 49th parallel during this period.
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“Today, I am pleased to announce our government’s funding for this Air Inuit project. Through the Northern Action Plan, we aim to optimize access to the region while ensuring that the needs of each region are met. This new staff house will ensure the reliability of Air Inuit services, which are essential for the communities of Nunavik. »
jonathan julienne, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region and the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region
“This investment is great news for the Northern Territory. Air Inuit, entirely under Inuit ownership, is important for Nunavik. This airline connects the various northern villages and connects the Northern Territory to the south of the province. The company also offers quality jobs to residents of the area.”
Ian Lafrenière, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs
“Puvirnituq is the hub that connects many surrounding communities on the Hudson Coast and Hudson Strait, it is essential to provide a consistent quality of service to this community. We thank the Société du Plan Nord for its contribution to this project and congratulate Air Inuit for its initiative and dedication to ensuring that Nunavimmiut receive the services they deserve. »
Pita Aatami, President, Makivik Corporation
“Today, we are investing significant sums to ensure the continuity of essential services in Nunavik and to contribute to the well-being of Air Inuit personnel, who work in sometimes harsh winter conditions to provide quality air services. We would like to thank our partners, the Société du Plan Nord and the Government of Quebec, for their support in the construction of this new infrastructure. »
Christian BuschPresident and CEO, Air Inuit
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The mission of the SPN is to contribute to the integrated and holistic development of the northern territory of Quebec according to government orientations. It does so in consultation with relevant regional representatives, Indigenous communities and the private sector.
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Founded in 1978 by the Inuit and 100% owned by the Makivik Corporation, Air Inuit was created to provide an air link between the 14 communities of Nunavik and between the region and southern Quebec in order to promote trade and contribute to the maintenance of Inuit culture.
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The NAP 20-23 reflects priorities that Northern Quebec stakeholders have identified. It aims to provide the communities concerned with adequate tools and allow them to fully inhabit the territory. The Quebec government will invest $778.6 million, more than half of the amount provided for in the 20-23 NAP, to support established and active businesses and residents north of the 49th parallel. Twenty departments and agencies of the Government of Quebec have jointly designed the 49 socio-economic actions of PAN 20-23.
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SOURCESociété du Plan Nord
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2022/17/c1147.html
