News Release

SAINT-JACQUES (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are making a combined investment of $750,000 for renovations at the Edmundston Airport. The upgrades are meant to ensure the facility’s long-term viability and enable it to provide important services, including air ambulance service, to benefit the entire region.

“Your government understands what matters most to New Brunswickers,” said Economic Development Minister Francine Landry. “We know the importance of creating jobs, growing the economy and securing and enhancing health care and education. We are working hard on these priorities and, with your support, we are seeing positive change and getting things done. Airports like the Edmundston Airport and other strategic infrastructure are important for New Brunswick businesses. The development of this facility is vital to the Edmundston and Madawaska region’s ongoing efforts to maintain existing business activity and to attracting new businesses in a number of sectors in order to diversify and grow the local economy while improving the quality of life.”

Landry spoke on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser, who is also the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.

“The Edmundston Airport has long been a critical part of our regional economy and helps to keep our communities connected, vibrant and competitive,” said Madawaska-Restigouche MP René Arseneault. “Ensuring it remains up to date and fully operational is essential to driving local economic development, building links to the global economy and increasing our quality of life with services like an air ambulance. The regional benefit of this investment is compounded when we consider that it will also mean up to $750,000 in construction work for local companies.”  

Arseneault attended for federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

Renovations include the installation of fencing to increase the security and safety of the runway, as well as upgrades to the airport terminal to make it more accessible to passengers and ambulance patients.

The provincial government is providing $375,000 through the Regional Development Corporation while the federal government is contributing $375,000 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.

“Upgrades to the airport’s infrastructure will enable us to work with different industries, attract businesses to the area and contribute to regional economic development,” said Luc Michaud, president of Madawaska Airport Inc. “In addition, we will be even better equipped to meet emergency air ambulance needs for the local population.”