Nova Scotia government gives Jazz Aviation $16.5 million to expand in Halifax

HALIFAX – Jazz Aviation is getting $16.5 million in public money from the Nova Scotia government to expand its heavy maintenance base in Halifax.

Premier Darrell Dexter says the money will create 150 new maintenance, management and technical support jobs.

The five-year funding package for the subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc. (TSX:CHR.B) includes a $2.5 million forgivable loan and $2 million to recruit and train new workers as well as upgrade the skills of current employees.

The government is also providing the company with a $12 million interest-bearing repayable loan.

The announcement comes days after the union representing workers at a Chorus heavy maintenance base in London, Ont., said that facility will close as a result of a deal to add six new planes to its fleet.

About 200 people will be affected by that closure, but workers will be offered employment elsewhere based on seniority.