More than 1,000 jobs, millions in funding added to Alberta aviation industry
The Alberta government is pledging more than $73 million toward the province's aviation and aerospace industry – a move it says will foster growth and make Calgary a hub for travel.
Part of the money – approximately $8 million – will be given to Calgary's Mount Royal University (MRU) to support its pilot training program.
The government says it will also expand its offerings of bursaries and loans to students.
Another $15 million over three years will be put toward a "labour market training program" to offset the costs of training new pilots.
However, Travel Alberta has been given the lion's share of the Kenney government's funding. That agency will receive $10 million annually over the next five years to assist the tourism sector, which the province says is still suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In return, Calgary-based WestJet said it would increase its fleet at the Calgary International Airport (YYC) from 60 airplanes to 100.
The company also promised to station its seven Boeing 787 Dreamliners there.
Premier Jason Kenney called Wednesday's announcement a "game-changer" for Alberta.
"Diversification and economic development are happening right here in Alberta," he said in a release.
"By choosing Calgary as its single global hub, locating its entire Dreamliner fleet here and increasing its annual seat capacity by 80 per cent, WestJet will massively improve global connectivity, tourism and options for passengers."
WestJet's CEO says the agreement will build on the "existing foundation" the company has built in Alberta over the past 26 years.
"As Western Canada’s home team carrier, Alberta is an area where we want to continue to invest to secure WestJet’s thriving future,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech.
“Through the pandemic and onward, the Government of Alberta prioritized the importance and advancement of aviation and the visitor economy across the province and recognized that aviation is central to the economic diversification of Alberta."
MRU says it is "thrilled" to be included in the investment.
"The demand for pilots continues to grow and today’s announcement speaks to the strength of MRU’s aviation program, the vital role of education in advancing the aviation sector and its importance to the future economy of Alberta. It also speaks to our long-standing and productive working relationship with WestJet," said interim provost Dr. Elizabeth Evans.
The province says the agreement is expected to create more than 1,000 direct jobs.
WestJet says it is also planning to construct "a single global connecting hub" at YYC to direct flights to new destinations and launch new long-haul international routes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.