Agreement ‘truly transformative for Rise Air’ says CEO
Northern Advocate Staff
Uranium giants Cameco Corporation and Orano Canada have signed a new 15-year agreement with Indigenous-owned airline Rise Air to transport workers to their northern Saskatchewan operations.
The new agreement is worth roughly $500 million. Previous agreements have spanned three years or less.
“Securing a 15-year agreement is truly transformative for Rise Air,” Rise Air CEO Derek Nice said in a press release. “It means we can plan for the future with confidence – investing in modern equipment, upgrading our facilities, and expanding hiring and training. Most importantly, it allows us to focus on building long-term careers for residents in northern Saskatchewan.”
Rise Air is owned by Athabasca Basin Development and Prince Albert Development Corp, an investment company formed by the 12 First Nations of the Prince Albert Grand Council.
PAGC Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie said they’re pleased to see the new agreement in place.
“All three companies have demonstrated a commitment to investing in our people through creative initiatives such as the Dziret’ai Pilot Training Program,” Tsannie said in a press release. “Signing this agreement today is the next phase in what has been an ongoing example of companies working together with our northern communities and investing in the North. We greatly appreciate the relationship with Cameco and Orano over many years and look forward to many more to come.”
Athabasca Basin Development board chair Anne Robillard also welcomed the agreement. Orano and Cameco are both valued partners, Robillard said in a press release, and the new agreement represents a “huge win” for all three companies.
“A 15-year commitment like this helps our companies plan important things like workforce training and strengthens one of our largest investments,” she said. “When our investments are strong, it helps improve service and build wealth for our communities.”
Rise Air operates bases in Buffalo Narrows, Fond du Lac, La Ronge, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Stony Rapids, and Wollaston Lake. The company operates 24 aircraft, and provides public scheduled flights, workforce transportation, cargo services, charters, and medevac flights to 35 airports in Saskatchewan.
Orano Canada operates the McClean Lake uranium mine and is a major partner in the Cigar Lake, McArthur River, and Key Lake operations. The company employs more than 450 people in Saskatchewan, 40 per cent of which are self-declared Indigenous.
Orano Canada president and CEO Jim Corman said they need strong, reliable partnerships to maintain successful operations in the north.
“For years we have entrusted Rise Air to support our northern mines by safely moving our most precious resource: our people,” Corman said in a press release. “The renewal of this long-standing partnership through the signing of a new contract signifies our confidence in Rise Air and our commitment to continuing to work together, as we prepare for the bright future ahead for the Saskatchewan uranium industry.”
Cameco is one of the largest global providers of uranium fuel. President and CEO Tim Gitzel said the new agreement shows how much confidence the company has in Rise Air to transport workers around the north.
“Air transportation is critical to our operations in northern Saskatchewan,” Gitzel said in a press release. “Without the ability to fly workers to our remote sites, we cannot operate. This contract ensures continued access to our sites through an exciting new fleet of aircraft. We are jointly committing to a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership focused on providing safe, reliable transportation for our workforce.”
