THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS – North Star Air along with its affiliate Cargo North announced today that they signed a strategic business partnership with Bearskin Lake First Nation (also known as Michikan Lake) and North Caribou Lake (also known as Weagamow and Round Lake) who have now joined with the other community partners including Muskrat Dam First Nation (Muskrat Dam), Sachigo Lake First Nation (Sachigo Lake), Cat Lake First Nation (Cat Lake), Deer Lake First Nation (Deer Lake) and Neskantaga (also known as Lansdowne House).
“We understand the important role that air transportation plays in promoting economic development, creating jobs and supporting northern Ontario communities,” said Frank Kelner, CEO of North Star Air & Cargo North. “As cargo is also a vital lifeline to the north, the inclusion of Cargo North’s services in this business relationship enables the communities to better manage the risks associated with security of supply”.
Today’s announcement marks another significant milestone for the communities who have taken further steps to increase self-determination through a revenue sharing agreement that enables them to invest back into their local economy.
Chief Rosemary McKay, Bearskin Lake said, “Collectively, we are confident that we will build the north, create new opportunities and champion a path to self-determination for the future generations”.
Chief Dinah Kanate, North Caribou Lake said “I’m entrusted to represent my community and make decisions that will be beneficial to all those I represent. To meet the social and economic development challenges and opportunities for a changing north will require new solutions such as what has been presented to us through the revenue sharing agreement with North Star Air.”
This brings the total to seven First Nations communities which are working together in partnership with North Star Air and its affiliate Cargo North. North Star Air is also in talks with the many other communities that have expressed a strong interest and desire to join and benefit from this agreement.
On November 7 2014, Muskrat Dam First Nation (Muskrat Dam) and Sachigo Lake First Nation (Sachigo Lake) received their first instalment payments as a result of their partnership agreement with North Star Air
Communities are continuously seeking short and long-term solution-based business partnerships that generate revenues and other benefits to broaden their socio-economic development opportunities. Partnering with an airline, such as North Star Air and its affiliate Cargo North, that shares the vision to advance prosperity of the communities is a stepping-stone to achieving the communities’ economic goals to improve their livelihood.
The focus of this revenue sharing agreement is to provide the necessary air transportation services that will enable the distribution and deployment of utilities, communication technologies, fuel, infrastructure, food, health care services and air ambulance, other perishable goods and air passenger.
The communities also see an opportunity to expand upon the North Star Air relationship by forming alliances with suppliers such as provincial utilities and major food retailers to advance the economic development plans of the north forward.
North Star Air & its’ affiliate Cargo North are strengthening their business relationships by adding more services to accommodate and align with the existing and future market demands of the north. Safety, reliability and affordability are of utmost importance for both airlines and ensuring the best possible customer experience is key for success.
