Sask. government reveals more details on cost of WestJet direct flights deal
The Government of Saskatchewan says it has spent $130,000 so far in a $2.2 million deal to provide air routes between Saskatoon and Minneapolis. The province has entered into a similar deal for Regina.
Saskatchewan initially entered into its deal with WestJet last spring.
It took a revenue guarantee from the province to convince the airline to offer service between Saskatoon and Minneapolis.
Minister of Trade and Export Development Jeremy Harrison says it’s a necessary expense.
“The commitment really was the catalyst for the airlines and WestJet in this case to feel comfortable in putting the route together in the first place,” he explained.
A total of $2.2 million dollars was guaranteed over three years. So far, the cost to taxpayers has been $130,000.
“But it’ll be very, very minimal which is a good thing but that route would never have happened but for the fact that the provincial government was prepared to work with that airport authority to make it a reality,” Harrison added.
Last Monday, WestJet accepted a slightly smaller $1.5 million minimum revenue guarantee to connect Regina with Minneapolis.
The route is set to begin offering flights in April of 2024.
“The province of Saskatchewan was an incredible partner in ensuring we could secure this flight to Minneapolis with WestJet,” said James Bogus, CEO of the Regina Airport Authority (RAA).
“They’ve actually contributed $500,000 per year for three years in incenting this airline to consider flying.”
Saskatchewan hopes that success on the Minneapolis routes will convince airlines that flights could also be viable to other American cities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title
Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.