Fort Chipewyan is one of several remote areas across Canada receiving support to ensure essential items continue to be flown into the community.

The federal government announced a new funding program on Thursday making sure communities that rely on the aviation industry for supplies don’t find themselves looking for alternatives.

This includes providing $75 million over the first six months with the government planning to provide around $100 million in the next 12 months following if needed.

The funding will be given to provinces and territories who’ll use them to ensure places like Fort Chipewyan continue to receive their essentials despite the air industry struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This funding will go a long way in ensuring that fly-in communities have the essential services, goods and equipment they need to prevent and respond to any outbreak of COVID-19,” said Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services. “Canada will keep working hard to ensure continuity of services.”

Fort Chipewyan can only be accessed by plane or boat during the summer. In the colder months, the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road provides a direct path for residents to drive to and from the hamlet.

They are one of 140 communities across Canada that are considered remote and rely on supplies being flown in.