Aviation Career Development Program Expands to Nunavut

June 30, 2011 - Students in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories training for careers in northern aviation can now apply for one of thirteen (13) $5,000 scholarships through the Aviation Career Development Program (ACDP).

The Government of Nunavut will provide four scholarships for residents of Nunavut. Peter Taptuna, Minister of Economic Development & Transportation, says the commitment will help ensure Nunavummiut receive the training and education they need to play a role in the territory’s air transportation system.

“We rely on air transportation for food, fuel, health care, and personal transportation,” Minister Taptuna said. “We are committed to supporting education and training for those working or wanting to work in northern aviation.”

One additional scholarship will be funded by Keewatin Air LP. The President of Keewatin Air, Wayne McLeod, says his company considers the scholarship funding commitment an investment in northern aviation. “Keewatin Air is committed to the North and the communities we serve,” he said. “All of us benefit when we can hire from the community the people we need, with the training and skills we require.”

GNWT Minister of Transportation Michael McLeod welcomes the additional partners, who are joining existing aviation partners Discovery Air (Air Tindi, Great Slave Helicopters) and Adlair Aviation.

“Air transportation makes an important contribution to the health and sustainability of our communities,” he said. “The ACDP scholarships serve to maximize opportunities for northern students in this exciting industry and, through training and skill development, contribute to the sustainability of our northern economies overall.”

This is the 11th year for the ACDP program, with approximately $400,000 in scholarships being distributed. The deadline for applications is July 29, 2011. For more information about the ACDP scholarships and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/ACDPscholarships.

For more information, please contact:

Earl Blacklock
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Transportation
Government of Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 873-7712
Email: earl_blacklock@gov.nt.ca

Matthew Illaszewicz
Manager, Communications
Department of Economic Development & Transportation
Government of Nunavut
Phone: (867) 975-7818
Email: millaszewicz@gov.nu.ca

Wayne McLeod
President, Keewatin Air LP
Phone: (204) 888-0100
Email: wmcleod@keewatinair.ca