Webequie First Nation signs with North Star Air
Chief Cornelius Wabasse (Webequie) & Frank Kelner (CEO of North Star Air) official signing of the partnership in Webequie on the 20th of July 2015. Submitted photo
WEBEQUIE, ON – Webequie announced July 20th that they had signed a strategic business agreement with North Star Air. Webequie has now joined with the other partners, a total of ten First Nations communities, including Muskrat Dam, Sachigo Lake, Cat Lake, Deer Lake, Neskantaga, North Caribou Lake, Bearskin Lake, Kashechewan and Poplar Hill, which have partnered with North Star Air.
It is important for Webequie to create an economic development environment that is competitive, accountable and sustainable as these are key attributes that will attract more business opportunities in transportation; infrastructure, food, utilities and new resource development just to name a few. This in turn will make the economy more diversified, make communities more vibrant, introduce more modern and efficient infrastructure and improve the overall quality of life for the north.
“As a testament to North Star Air’s commitment to the shared vision of a prosperity north, included in this partnership is a revenue sharing agreement that will provide Webequie the opportunity to re-invest back into our local economy and development.” said Webequie First Nation Chief Cornelius Wabasse
Such an environment is built on partnering with companies that share in the vision of a prosperity north and are committed to the economic development of the north and prepared to address community livelihood related issues.
All key stakeholders including community members will benefit from cost-effective solutions, on-time delivery, security of supply and an overall enhancement in service levels for the north that North Star Air is committed to deliver upon through this partnership.
“Servicing the north has been a passion of mine for many years and we are delighted for this opportunity to work with Webequie and the other community partners in making the economy of the north vibrant and attractive.” said Frank Kelner, CEO of North Star Air
Opening up the market in the north to more competitors will provide businesses, communities, and people more choices and options for their air transportation needs whether its passengers, charters, cargo/freight and fuel
Webequie First Nation has a registered population of 880 people. The First Nation is part of Matawa First Nations with it’s primary affiliation to Nishnawbe-Aski Nation. The community is located approximately 540 kilometers north of Thunder Bay. Access to Webequie is provided by a year round airport which is operated by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Regular air service is available to the regional centers of Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay and Pickle Lake. Webequie airport is located approximately 1.2 kilometers from the main community. Road access between the airport and Webequie is by one gravel, winter road.
North Star Air began in 1997 as a floatplane service and has steadily evolved its service capabilities and transformed its fleet. In 2012 new ownership was acquired. Today, Cargo North and North Star Air are merging into one airline to enhance service. North Star Air is one of the leading Northern Ontario full-service airline with bases and locations in Pickle Lake, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay. As a leading provider of charter, passenger and freight/cargo services they make it their passion and commitment to safety, affordability and reliability. They are well positioned and ready to service the growing demands of the businesses, industries and communities of Northern Ontario and beyond. Their mission is to connect Northern Ontario communities and their vision is to provide the best possible customer experience throughout their entire journey.
Chief Cornelius Wabasse (Webequie) & Frank Kelner (CEO of North Star Air) official signing of the partnership in Webequie on the 20th of July 2015. To access the photo folder click here.
