Imagine a partnership so significant it redefines an entire region for 15 years! Cameco and Orano just inked a landmark $500 million deal with Indigenous-owned Rise Air, securing vital workforce transport in northern Saskatchewan. This isn’t just about flights; it’s about investing in long-term careers and community prosperity. How will this transformative agreement shape the future of the North?

A landmark 15-year agreement, valued at approximately $500 million, has been forged between global uranium giants Cameco Corporation and Orano Canada Inc., and Indigenous-owned Rise Air. This pivotal **Indigenous partnership** is set to redefine **workforce transportation** services for northern Saskatchewan operations, marking the most significant commitment between these entities to date.

Building on a relationship that first began in 1993 with Orano and shortly thereafter with Cameco, this long-term contract represents a truly transformative moment for Rise Air. Previous agreements typically spanned three years or less, making this extended commitment a testament to the airline’s reliability and the partners’ shared vision for sustained regional development.

For Rise Air, securing this extended agreement means unparalleled opportunities for strategic planning and growth. The airline can now confidently invest in modern equipment, undertake significant facility upgrades, and expand its hiring and training programs, directly fostering long-term careers for residents throughout northern Saskatchewan.

The agreement also underscores Cameco’s and Orano’s unwavering confidence in Rise Air as the indispensable partner for their essential workforce transportation needs. Consistent access to their remote uranium mining sites is critical for continued growth and successful operations, making this collaboration vital for the stability of the Saskatchewan economy.

Rise Air’s unique position as a 100% Indigenous-owned airline, with Athabasca Basin Development and Prince Albert Development Corporation as owners, amplifies the agreement’s impact. This Indigenous partnership directly translates into substantial community investment and economic benefits for 12 First Nations and four municipalities, fostering prosperity and job opportunities within these communities.

As Saskatchewan’s largest regional airline, Rise Air plays a crucial role in connecting northern communities and driving regional economic development. This new agreement ensures stability, continued growth, and collaboration that will benefit the entire Saskatchewan economy for decades to come, demonstrating a profound commitment to the North.

Cameco, a leading global provider of uranium fuel, and Orano Canada Inc., a significant uranium producer headquartered in Saskatchewan, both emphasize their commitment to safe, reliable operations and fostering strong partnerships in the supply chain. Rise Air, celebrating 70 years of service, has grown to operate 24 aircraft and is the Canadian launch customer for the modern ATR 72-600, further solidifying its capacity for this long-term venture.

This mutually beneficial Indigenous partnership is more than just a contract; it is a powerful catalyst for community investment and a testament to sustainable workforce transportation in Canada’s North. It promises a brighter, more secure economic future for northern Saskatchewan, strengthening vital industries and empowering local communities through shared success.