REGINA, Sask. — Oct. 26 to 31 is Saskatchewan Aviation and Aerospace Week.
"Aviation plays an important role in keeping Saskatchewan connected and our economy growing," Highways Minister Kim Gartner said.
"From supporting agriculture and industry to delivering critical emergency services, aviation makes a difference in communities across our province. During Saskatchewan Aviation and Aerospace Week, we recognize the dedicated professionals who keep this vital industry moving and help build a stronger Saskatchewan."
Various industries are supported by aviation, which brings tourists to the province, aids the resource sector by transporting employees and equipment to mining operations, and assists agriculture by helping farmers manage crops, according to Sask. Highways.
"We appreciate the provincial government recognizing this week as we collaborate to propel aviation forward to helping make Saskatchewan a better place for all who work, live, play and do business in the Land of Living Skies," Saskatchewan Aviation Council President Janet Keim said.
Aviation also moves patients via air ambulance airplanes and helicopters to medical facilities, provides air services for policing, and supports evacuations and protects communities during emergencies.
Saskatchewan has 150 facilities to land aircraft, which includes helipads, private airports, community-owned airports, Regina and Saskatoon under the national airports system, 15 Wing Moose Jaw, along with 16 provincial airports owned and operated by the Ministry of Highways.
The Ministry of Highways invests in improvements at regional, community-owned airports in Saskatchewan through the province's Community Airports Partnership (CAP) program. Since 2007-08, the ministry has allocated about $13.7 million through its CAP program, resulting in an estimated $26.3 million of improvements to airports in more than 40 communities.
