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Chief Sean Smith: Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport improvement project avails potential job opportunities to Yukon First Nation citizens

Friday, 12 January 2024 13:52

By Panebi Wilson X @panebiwilson

Chief Sean Smith - Photo by Panebi Wilson

The Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is vital to the territory. It keeps residents connected, allows for critical medical services, supports tourism and resource sectors and contributes to Arctic security efforts.

The Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada has announced funding for the reconstruction of the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport’s main runway and other critical infrastructural improvements.

In a media briefing Friday morning, The Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez announced that the Government of Canada is contributing over $186 million alongside the Yukon’s Government $62 million contribution to further strengthen the Airport’s project.

According to the Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clark, the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is vital to the territory. It keeps residents connected, allows for critical medical services, supports tourism and resource sectors and contributes to Arctic security efforts. By replacing the main runway, the Government of Yukon will continue to ensure the airport meets the needs of the territory, he said.

Speaking Further, Minister Clark said the funding will also go towards making improvements to increase reliability and safety, including additional lighting on the runway and other vital upgrades.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith said the announcement of the funding for the improvement of the Airport is worth celebrating and that the project will create job and contact opportunities for First Nation Citizens. 

During the funding announcement, the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez was joined by Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, Nils Clarke, Yukon Minister of Highways and Public Works, City of Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council Chief Amanda Leas, and Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith. 

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