Wasaya Airways LP
Jeff Busniuk, CPA, CA has had a diverse range of work experiences throughout their career. Jeff began their career as a Staff Accountant at Peat Marwick in 1988. Jeff then served as Treasurer for various organizations including Thunder Bay Youth Employment Services, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, and NOSTA. In 1991, they became a Partner at VBK Chartered Accountants, where they worked until 2013. During their time at VBK, Jeff also became involved with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, serving on their Economic Action Committee. In 2013, they joined Grant Thornton LLP as a Principal until 2016 when they became Director of Finance at Fort William First Nation. From 2016 to 2020, Jeff held the role of Director of Finance before becoming the Chief Financial Officer of Wasaya Airways LP in 2020. Additionally, they served on the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce board as Vice Chair, overseeing the Aboriginal Opportunities and Marketing & Membership Committees from 2013 to 2016. Jeff's extensive experience in finance and accounting makes him a valuable asset to any organization.
Jeff Busniuk, CPA, CA completed their high school education from Sir Winston Churchill Highschool from 1980 to 1984. Jeff then pursued a degree in Honours Commerce with a specialization in Accounting from Lakehead University, which they completed from 1984 to 1988. Additionally, they obtained the prestigious certification of CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario in September 1991.
Wasaya Airways LP
Imagine the quantities of food, clothing, hardware, building materials, gasoline, heating fuel, boats, motors, snowmobiles, medical supplies, school and office supplies that are required to meet the needs of over 25 communities with populations of 500 to 4,000 people. Now imagine having to air transport all of the supplies in to these communities whom do not have road access to southern markets, suppliers and manufacturers. Enter Wasaya Airways LP ᐗᓭᔭ ᐱᒥᓭᐎᐣ. Incorporated by Wasaya Corporation (now Wasaya Group Inc) in 1989 for a requesting group of Northwestern Ontario First Nations, whose purpose was to acquire controlling interest in what was known as Kelner Airways. In the fall of 1998, Wasaya Airways purchased the remaining common shares and this enabled Wasaya Corporation to hold 100 % ownership of Wasaya Airways LP, thus making it 100% First Nation owned. The founding First Nation owner communities of Wasaya Airways LP are: Bearskin Lake First Nation Kasabonika Lake First Nation Kingfisher Lake First Nation Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation Muskrat Dam First Nation Nibinamik First Nation Pikangikum First Nation Wapekeka First Nation Wunnumin Lake First Nation Wasaya means “rising sun” in the Oji-cree dialect and the logo of Wasaya Airways, which depicts a sunburst with eight sunrays, represents each owner community.