The Canadian and Yukon Governments have reached an agreement to continue to provide air connectivity to remote communities.

The air access will ensure a continuous supply of food, medical supplies and other essential goods and services amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Yukon is a Canadian territory in the north-west of the country. There are 28 remote communities with airports or aerodromes in Yukon that depend on air services as the only mode of transport.

Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau said: “While we continue to work together to limit the spread of Covid-19, we must also ensure remote communities continue to have the air connectivity they need for essential goods and services, travel and business.

“Our agreement with the Government of Yukon will allow for reliable air services to keep remote communities in the Yukon connected to the rest of the country.”

As part of this initiative, the Canadian Government is providing up to $7m in funding to ensure service continuity for at least six months and up to 18 months, based on requirements.

Yukon is also extending up to $234,000 in fee waivers until the end of March 2021.

Northern Affairs Minister Daniel Vandal said: “Our government recognises it is crucial to support critical transportation links in order to continue to maintain and strengthen supply chains throughout Yukon.

“This investment will ensure communities in Yukon remain connected and supported with access to essential goods and health services when they need it the most.”

Last month, a new consortium named Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium (CAAM) was launched to support, design and implement advanced air mobility (AAM) in the country.