REGINA — Oct. 31 through Nov. 8 is Aviation and Aerospace Week in Saskatchewan, providing an opportunity to celebrate the aviation sector's contributions to the province.
According to the Ministry of Highways, in emergencies such as forest fires or floods, aviation is vital to evacuating communities, getting people to safety and providing support to emergency personnel on the ground. Added to that are the world-class pilots who are trained at the NATO Flying Training in Canada program near Moose Jaw.
"During Aviation Week in Saskatchewan, we recognize the many airport operators, aerial applicators, flight crews, aircraft maintenance engineers and airline employees who work together in maintaining the safety and security of aviation for all Saskatchewan communities and business," Saskatchewan Aviation Council president Janet Keim said.
"The sky is the limit for the future of our industry. I encourage everyone, especially youth, Indigenous people, and women to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace."
The Community Airport Partnership program (CAP) also provides funding for the province's community airports. The government of Saskatchewan committed $850,000 to the CAP program in this year's budget. The program is supporting 11 airports this year. Improvements include an enhanced runway in Big River, a new, high-intensity lighting system in Kindersley and a drainage system in La Ronge. Since the program began, 38 different communities have benefited from the CAP program.
