Governments of Canada and Yukon Inaugurate Expansion at Erik Nielsen
Whitehorse International Airport

WHITEHORSE, June 11 /CNW Telbec/ - The new expansion at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport was officially opened today by the Honourable Senator Daniel Lang, Yukon Highways and Public Works Minister Archie Lang, and Yukon Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to join the Government of Yukon in contributing to the expansion of the air terminal at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport," said Senator Lang. "This terminal will allow for more efficient passenger travel while contributing to the economic growth of the territory."

The new expansion adds 2,767 square metres to the existing terminal building and includes additional space for security screening, a secure passenger holding area that can occupy 230 passengers, an in-transit lounge, a new baggage terminal and increased office space for airport staff.

"In collaboration with the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon is pleased to announce the official opening of this expansion," said Minister Lang. "The strategic investment will ensure a safe and secure aviation gateway and facilitate future air access opportunities for Yukon, while providing additional space to allow Canadian Border Services Agency staff to process international passengers in an efficient manner."

"Air access remains a strategic priority for sustaining and growing tourism in Yukon," Minister Taylor said. "These upgrades provide a welcomed improvement to those national and international air carriers servicing Yukon today while positioning the territory for future growth in air arrivals and departures."

The expansion was funded by an $11 million investment by the Government of Yukon with a $5 million contribution from the Government of Canada through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund.

For more information on the expansion, as well as pictures and floor plans, please visit www.hpw.gov.yk.ca/yxy/.

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For further information: Roxanne Vallevand, Cabinet Communications, Government of Yukon, 867-633-7949, [email protected]; Jennifer Magnuson, Communications, Highways and Public Works, Government of Yukon, 867-667-3146, [email protected]; James Kusie, Director, Issues Management and Parliamentary Affairs, Office of Canada's Transport Minister John Baird, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Heather LeDuc, Communications, Tourism and Culture, Government of Yukon, 867-667-5318, [email protected]; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055