Madam Speaker, a strong and competitive air transport industry is vital for Canada's economy and the well-being of Canadians. The Government of Canada understands the increasingly difficult financial situation that all members of the air transport industry are facing and that due to the interdependent nature of the air sector what affects one participant affects them all.
With passenger volumes down more than 90% from pre-pandemic levels and travel restrictions in place to protect Canadians, the impact on the air sector has been particularly severe and its recovery is expected to take relatively longer than other parts of the economy.
Airlines are important partners in our effort to manage the pandemic. In that context, I would like to particularly acknowledge the government's appreciation of the recent decision of the airlines to suspend services to sun destinations.
We have implemented several broad-based measures, some of which have directly benefited the air sector. For example, the air transportation sector has benefited from the Canadian emergency wage subsidy. Also, support for Sunwing through the large employer emergency financing facility was recently announced.
In March 2020, the government announced that it was waiving the rent payments for airport authorities owed to the government for the duration of the year. We have also announced over $190 million in funding to support air services to remote communities.
The 2020 fall economic statement included further specific airport sector supports. This includes more rent relief for airport authorities, temporary enhancement of the airports capital assistance program, new critical infrastructure funding for larger airports, targeted funding to assist airport operators and funding to support regional air transportation.
These new measures amount to over $1 billion in support. Government officials are well-advanced in their work to deliver them and continue to engage with industry members.
The fall economic statement also reaffirmed the government's engagement with major airlines regarding financial assistance. This work is ongoing. We have been clear that any support to air carriers will be dependent on securing real outcomes for Canadians, including the provisions of refunds in place of vouchers, maintaining regional connectivity and remaining good customers of the Canadian aerospace industry.
The government is working with airlines expeditiously. It is fully expected that this process will come to a successful conclusion in the near term.