Photo: Government of Saskatchewan

The federal government’s Minister for PrairiesCan has announced $1.3 million in funding to increase access to pilot training in Saskatoon and Regina, and to scale up aerospace manufacturing in Yorkton. Terry Duguid says the shortage of qualified pilots has been a persistent challenge for economic growth and development in Saskatchewan and across the country, and aerospace manufacturing is needed to meet the demand for aircraft operators’ supply and maintenance.

In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is receiving $450,00 to increase the efficiency of its Commercial Pilot program, including the purchase and installation of a new flight simulator. The not-for-profit Regina Flying Club is receiving $250,000 to expand its commercial flight training program and in Yorkton, Miccar Aerial is receiving $600,000 in repayable funding to scale up its manufacturing division.