October 5, 2026 Ottawa (Ontario) Transport Canada
Reliable transportation is essential for northern and remote communities to access the goods and services they depend on. For many northern Canadians, airports provide a vital connection to other communities and the rest of Canada. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing in infrastructure that strengthens supply chains, improves the movement of essential cargo, and supports economic development across the North.
Today, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, and the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, joined representatives from Canadian North, the Ottawa International Airport Authority, and northern partners to celebrate the opening of Canadian North’s new cargo facility at Ottawa International Airport.
The project was supported by a Government of Canada investment of up to $11 million through the National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF). This new facility will expand Canadian North’s general cargo storage capacity by over 40 per cent and its cold storage capacity by almost 85 per cent. Truck wait times will be reduced from 30-60 minutes to 5-10 minutes, allowing cargo to move through the facility more quickly. Cargo aircraft loading processes will also become more efficient, reducing the time required to transfer cargo to aircraft, while improving service reliability.
Canadian North plays a critical role in connecting northern and remote communities to the rest of Canada. The airline serves more than 20 northern destinations across Nunavut, Nunavik and the Northwest Territories, providing passenger and cargo services that are critical for residents, businesses, and local economies.
The opening of this facility represents an important milestone in strengthening northern supply chains and improving Canada’s transportation network. Investments through the National Trade Corridors Fund help ensure that critical goods reach communities safely and efficiently while supporting economic growth in the North.