TORONTO, July 31, 2021 /CNW/ – Unifor Local 112 and 673 members at Bombardier Aviation’s Downsview plant have voted to ratify new three-year collective agreements.
Exterior of Bombardier Aviation Downsview plant (CNW Group/Unifor)
“These new agreements make significant progress on the key issues identified by our members, including pensions, and job security protections against out-sourcing and the use of contractors,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “As the industry recovers from this once-in-a-century pandemic and Bombardier prepares to move production to a new facility at Pearson Airport, these collective agreements will ensure our highly skilled members will maintain wages, pension, benefits and other working conditions that are among the best in the industry.”
On June 27, 2021, workers began strike action against Bombardier Aviation and De Havilland Aircraft Canada at the Downsview plant, which manufactures Bombardier’s Global series aircraft and, up until recently, De Havilland’s Dash 8 turboprop aircraft.
Seven hundred De Havilland workers remain on strike as negotiations between Unifor and the company continue with a dedicated picket line in operation at the De Havilland area of the facility.
The new collective agreement, which covers approximately 1,500 Bombardier Aviation workers, is in effect from June 23, 2021 to June 23, 2024.
Highlights include:
Wage increase of 0.5% in year one, 0.75% year two and 1.0% in year three
Increased monthly pension benefit
Strengthened work commitment language
Protection of bargaining unit work
Lump sum payments for retirees
Benefit improvements
Commitment by the company and the union to raise mental health awareness
“The bargaining teams worked hard to secure jobs with the inclusion of new contract language that deals with contracting out and the erosion of bargaining unit work in a meaningful way,” said Maryellen McIlmoyle, President of Unifor Local 673.
“This is a forward looking contract that ensures our rights as the company prepares to relocate and also assists members after their working life with pension improvements, a lump sum payment for retirees and an increase in retiree life insurance,” said Scott McIlmoyle, President of Unifor Local 112.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
The Victoria International Airport is one of three Vancouver Island regional airports receiving federal funding this summer, the government announced July 30. (Black Press Media file photo)
Funding aims to help Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox Valley airports maintain regional connectivity
PENINSULA NEWS STAFF | Jul 30, 2021
Victoria International Airport is among 11 B.C. airports receiving an injection of federal dollars this summer.
In a statement Friday (July 30), the government announced $11,721,721 in funding through its regional air transportation initiative to help ensure connectivity and jobs to and from smaller regions in the province.
The Victoria airport (YYJ) will receive the largest sum, nearly $3 million.
“This funding announcement is welcome news which will assist YYJ to reinstate lost air service, attract new air service, build passenger demand and continue to operate a safe and efficient airport with world class safety and health standards,” said Victoria Airport Authority president/CEO Geoff Dickson.
“Air connectivity is a key to economic prosperity and we look forward to help building back the visitor economy.”
YYJ has seen an enormous drop in traffic during the pandemic, plummeting from nearly two million passengers through its doors in 2019 to less than 600,000 in 2020. Although there has been a small degree of bounce back in the last couple of months, numbers continue to sit at record lows. In June, 12,746 passengers went through the airport, compared to 169,825 in 2019.
Nanaimo will receive funding in two areas: approximately $1.38 million for the airport commission and $346,000 for the Port Authority. The Comox Valley Airport Commission has funding of about $1.1 million heading its way.
The remaining regions include Prince Rupert, Bella Coola, Prince George, Kamloops, Fort St. John, Golden, Terrace and Cassidy.
“Regional airports and infrastructure are critical components of the B.C. economy, both for trade and for the travel that many Canadians are starting to look forward to as we emerge from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will go a long way towards getting these assets back on their feet,” said Terry Beech, parliamentary secretary to the fisheries and economic development ministers.
TORONTO, July 30, 2021 /CNW/ – Unifor Local 112 and 673 have reached a tentative agreement with Bombardier Aviation.
“I would like to congratulate the Local 112 and 673 bargaining teams for their hard work and dedication throughout these negotiations,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Reaching a settlement with Bombardier brings us one step closer to resolving the labour dispute at Downsview. Our union can now focus all of its efforts on reaching an agreement with De Havilland.”
Unifor member with Unifor flag outside of Bombardier Aviation Downsview plant (CNW Group/Unifor)
The three-year agreements cover approximately 1,500 union members employed by Bombardier Aviation at the Downsview plant.
“We could not have reached a fair settlement that addresses the union’s key priorities at Bombardier without the support and solidarity of our members throughout the bargaining process and on the picket lines,” said Scott McIlmoyle, Unifor Local 112 President.
Details of the settlement will only be released following ratification by union members. Votes will be conducted tomorrow afternoon.
“Our Membership gave us a strong mandate, after a difficult set of negotiations we have managed to reach a tentative agreement with Bombardier. We remain at the table determined to continue negotiations with De Havilland.” said Maryellen McIlmoyle, Unifor Local 673 President.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
Targeted Government of Canada support will be provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada
VANCOUVER, BC, July 30, 2021 /CNW/ – Regional air transportation is crucial to ensure merchandise circulates, supply chains are maintained, and regional economic growth continues. The pandemic has had major impacts on regional air transportation ecosystems, affecting economies, communities, and local businesses.
BC’s regional airports get an economic boost (CNW Group/Western Economic Diversification Canada)
The Government of Canada’s Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI), launched in March 2021, fosters access to air transportation and supports regional ecosystems. In particular, it enables regional air carriers and airports to remain operational in these difficult times and to continue to contribute to regional economic growth, while adapting to new post-COVID-19 realities and requirements.
B.C. airports to benefit from funding
With this in mind, Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (B.C.), on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced $11,721,721 in RATI funding for 11 regional airports in B.C.
This funding will enable these airports to overcome challenges that were brought on by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regional air transportation is key to the economic development of communities and businesses across Canada. Since it helps draw Canadians to rural and remote communities to work and raise their families, while also providing reliable connectivity with urban centres, it plays a crucial role in a just, inclusive recovery for all, throughout the country.
Quotes
“It is important to protect our regional air transportation for the thousands of workers employed by this sector and for the many businesses and communities that depend on it. Air connectivity makes our regions accessible to Canadians who want to settle there and is key in moving our businesses’ products to their destination markets. That’s why, as part of our plan for a strong economic recovery, our government supports this connectivity, indispensable to healthy, inclusive growth.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
“Regional airports and infrastructure are critical components of the B.C. economy, both for trade and for the travel that many Canadians are starting to look forward to as we emerge from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will go a long way towards getting these assets back on their feet and ready to deliver on the needs of British Columbians as we look towards a brighter future.”
– Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (B.C.)
“Victoria International Airport is a vital economic generator for the Greater Victoria Region. The pandemic has been financially devastating to the airport industry and aviation sector as a whole. This funding announcement is welcome news which will assist YYJ to reinstate lost air service, attract new air service, build passenger demand, and continue to operate a safe and efficient airport with world class safety and health standards. Air connectivity is a key to economic prosperity and we look forward to help building back the visitor economy.”
– Geoff Dickson, President and CEO, Victoria Airport Authority
“We are grateful for this funding. It is essential to help continue our operations and ensure that we continue to be the gateway to Northern British Columbia. The Prince George Airport is a hub for not only passenger services but also medevac, RCMP, aerial search and rescue, and wildfire fighting services for Northern and remote communities.”
– Gordon Duke, President and CEO, Prince George Airport Authority
The Initiative supports regional air ecosystems—which include regional air carriers and airports, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and non-profit organizations—in developing and implementing enhanced services for improved regional connectivity.
VANCOUVER, BC, July 30, 2021 /CNW/ – Helping airports mitigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to ensure that Canada’s air transportation system provides Canadians with choice, connectivity and affordable air travel. Canada’s world-leading network of airports has been put under substantial financial strain as a result of the dramatic decline in passenger travel. Investments in airport infrastructure are crucial to maintain safety, security, and connectivity for travellers, airport workers and surrounding communities.
Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced new funding to help the Vancouver International Airport recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support important transportation infrastructure projects at the airport.
The Government of Canada is providing the Vancouver International Airport up to $38.4 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program for critical infrastructure projects including:
improvements to the dyke and drainage system surrounding the airport to help protect the airport from rising sea waters and storms; and
the extension of the Runway End Safety Area (RESA) to provide extra space for an aircraft to stop safely in an emergency or in the event an aircraft leaves the end of the runway.
Quotes
“Canada’s airports are major contributors to our economy, and play a crucial role in sustaining the social and economic well-being of our communities. This financial support will ensure that, as Canada works towards recovery and travel restart post pandemic, the Vancouver International Airport will be able to provide regional accessibility, and safe, reliable and efficient air services for residents and workers in Vancouver and its surrounding communities.”
The Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport
“As Canada moves forward with a safe, measured and risk-based approach to reopen travel and tourism, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) plays an essential role as a gateway for B.C. and beyond. This important federal funding will enable us to deliver critical safety and climate-related infrastructure projects, ensuring we are well positioned to continue serving our community and the economy that supports it as our region collectively builds back stronger for the benefit of all British Columbians.”
Tamara Vrooman President and CEO Vancouver Airport Authority
Quick Facts
The Airport Critical Infrastructure Program, launched in May 2021, will distribute $489.6 million in funding over five years to airports for eligible infrastructure projects related to safety, security or connectivity to mass transit systems.
The federal contribution for projects at the Vancouver International Airport will be up to 50% of total eligible expenditures of the projects, up to a maximum contribution of $38.4 million. The Airport will provide the remaining funding for the projects.
First introduced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Airport Critical Infrastructure Program is part of a federal stimulus recovery plan designed to build a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient economy post-COVID-19.
Nicole King, CTVBarrieNews.ca Producer | Thursday, July 29, 2021
Bob Barrett is nominated for entry into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame in this undated photo courtesy of Regina Barrett.
BARRIE, ONT. — Captain Bob Barrett could soon join an exclusive club with his nomination into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame.
The Bracebridge man has been flying for 56 years and sat in over 20 different aircraft.
The sun has risen and set during the more than 20,000 hours Barrett spent in the air, often navigating by just the stars at night.
The avid pilot said the idea of getting into the Hall of Fame never occurred to him.
“It’s something that nobody ever talks about,” he said. “You’re not ever flying along with your buddies in the cockpit and say, ‘Hey, think you’ll go in the Hall of Fame someday?’ No, that never happens.”
Barrett’s aviation life story includes countless trips to Canada’s rugged north bringing life-saving supplies to those who needed them most.
He has flown in cold conditions in a Second World War-era DC-3, affectionately called ‘Gooney Bird’ because of its ability to carry large loads. Unfortunately, it lacked luxuries like heating.
While Barrett has worn many hats over his extensive career, he said he favours his pilot’s hat the most.
The Bracebridge man’s Hall of Fame nomination recognizes his role among arctic frontiersmen connecting Canada to Canadians in the north.
The Fredericton International Airport Authority is getting $3.8 million from Ottawa to help it cover expenses in light of losses incurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Submitted by Fredericton International Airport)
The Fredericton International Airport Authority Inc. is getting federal help to offset what it says is a $15-million loss in revenue it suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ottawa is giving the airport authority $3.8 million to help it maintain services and cover expenses in light of a severe drop in the number of flights going through the airport in the past year-and-a-half, said Johanne Gallant, president and CEO of the airport authority.
“So this will help with expenses, right. We’ve been using reserve money — and reserve money, that’s the fund for safety capital projects, so that [$3.8 million] is also helping preserve the reserve dollars and also help cover expenses with all the losses,” Gallant said.
The Fredericton International Airport, along with others in the province, saw a drastic reduction in flight traffic due to restrictions on travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flights by Air Canada and WestJet, which both suspended services at the airport for months, have returned as of June with the easing of restrictions, but Gallant said traffic at the airport still isn’t as high as it was before the pandemic.
Fredericton International Airport Authority president and CEO Johanne Gallant said the airport saw a 90 per cent drop in passenger traffic because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Submitted by Fredericton International Airport)
“We have our carriers back and the frequency is not where it was pre-pandemic. However, as we continue, as people start traveling more, we’re going to see more frequency. So definitely optimistic for the future.”
Gallant said the airport authority had to lay off almost half of its 28 direct employees as a result of the 90 per cent drop in traffic. In recent weeks, however, it’s been able to rehire, with about 23 now back on the job, thanks in part to the federal Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.
A news release by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency said the “non-repayable contribution” of $3.8 million will allow the airport to maintain essential services and collaborate with carriers to continue or re-establish routes to the region, as well as sustain 16 jobs.
“I look forward to seeing the Fredericton International Airport thriving once again, bringing people from far and wide to enjoy all we have to offer here in the capital city,” said Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin, in the release.
TORONTO, July 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The first Sunwing Airlines flights to the sun since January took off today from Toronto Pearson International Airport and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. The inaugural flights mark Sunwing’s partial return to service amid Canada’s soaring vaccination rates, easing border measures and increasing demand for travel. Weekly service will initially be offered from Toronto and Montreal, with additional routes expected to follow.
“After a long seven months, we’re thrilled to be returning to the skies and bringing our customers back to the tropics,” commented Mark Williams, President of Sunwing Airlines. “Our team has been working hard to prepare for our partial return to service and we’re looking forward to making even more vacation dreams come true over the coming months with flights to some of our most popular destinations.”
Initial service is being offered from Toronto to Cancun, Punta Cana and Montego Bay, and from Montreal to Cancun and Punta Cana. Sunwing will be operating additional gateways and destinations for the fall and winter season, with departures from numerous other Canadian cities beginning in October 2021.
“With vaccination rates continuing to climb nationwide, we’re seeing more pent-up demand for travel as Canadians plan their much-anticipated getaways,” said Andrew Dawson, President of Tour Operations at Sunwing. “Following more than a year of uncertainty and stress, customers are seeking out the kind of seamless vacation experiences that we provide more than ever before, and we’re already seeing unprecedented bookings for the most popular resorts. We’re looking forward to offering customers frictionless travel every step of the way.”
The resumption of flights follows on the heels of a recent survey commissioned by Sunwing, which uncovered that more than half of Canadians (58%) are interested in returning to travel within the next 12 months, with over two-thirds (68%) expressing a desire to plan an all inclusive vacation. With demand for travel quickly outpacing availability, customers interested in headed south over the next few months should book now to reserve their spot at their preferred resort.
Sun-seekers who book their return to paradise by August 9, 2021 can take advantage of exclusive last minute deals including complimentary Price Drop Cash Back of up to $800 per couple, reduced deposits of just $100 per person and the flexibility to change or cancel their plans with ease. Plus, customers can travel with peace of mind knowing that the highest Canadian standards are in place throughout their entire vacation experience with the Safe with Sunwing commitment.
About Sunwing The largest integrated travel company in North America, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from airports across Canada to popular sun destinations across the U.S.A., Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations as well as cruise packages and seasonal domestic flight service. Sunwing customers benefit from the assistance of the company’s own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. The company supports the communities where it operates through the Sunwing Foundation, a charitable initiative focused on the support and development of youth and humanitarian aid.
Volunteers Elsien and Mike outside the Comox Valley Airport. Photo submitted
The YQQ Ambassadors will be on-site daily, sending off and meeting select flights
Jul. 22, 2021
With the reduction in domestic travel restrictions, the return of Air Canada and the enhanced summer schedules from Pacific Coastal and WestJet, the Comox Valley Airport is bustling with activity.
Thursday, July 15 marked the return of the YQQ Ambassadors, the Comox Valley Airport’s volunteer force, after an absence of nearly 16 months.
“On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic,” said Mike Atkins, CEO of the airport.
“By the end of that week, the ambassador program was suspended, the first of many changes implemented to mitigate risk and ensure the safety of the staff and public. I am extremely pleased to welcome the ambassadors back, not only for the benefit of travellers but also as an indication of a cautious return to leisure travel.”
Alex Robertson, operations manager for YQQ added the program has been in operation since before the current terminal was built.
“… some of our dedicated volunteers have been serving since that time. They provide information and assistance to both arriving and departing passengers, playing a vital role in the passenger experience.”
The YQQ Ambassadors will be on-site daily, sending off and meeting select flights.
MONTREAL, July 30, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – Air Transat is pleased to operate its first commercial flights today after six months of inactivity due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Three flights are scheduled today: Montreal-Punta Cana, Punta Cana-Montreal and Montreal-Vancouver. These flights kick off the airline’s summer program, which will include, at the height of the season, 24 routes to 16 destinations in Canada, the United States, the South and Europe.
Air Transat crew at Montreal airport today
“It is with great joy and excitement that we return to the skies after these long months of suspension,” says Annick Guérard, President and CEO of Transat. “We are thrilled to finally reunite with our travellers and allow them to reconnect with their favourite destinations through our world-renowned travel experience. In preparation for our return, our teams have been working hard to ensure the safety of travellers and facilitate their planning by continuously adjusting our Traveller Care health and safety program and our practical guide on travel requirements.”
A diversified summer program and a new domestic route
To meet the sustained demand from travellers wishing to uncover more of their Canada this summer, Air Transat offers an extensive program of domestic flights between Calgary, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto and Vancouver. This includes exclusive direct flights between Quebec City and Vancouver, a first for the airline.
This domestic program also allows Canadians to travel to more international destinations via connecting flights from Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City.
In addition, from Montreal, Air Transat will gradually operate direct flights to Cuba (Holguin and Varadero), the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana), France (Paris), Haiti (Port-au-Prince), Mexico (Cancun), Portugal (Lisbon) and the United States (Fort Lauderdale and Orlando).
Travellers from Toronto will be able to fly direct to Cuba (Holguin and Varadero), the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana), England (London), Mexico (Cancun), Portugal (Porto) and the United States (Fort Lauderdale and Orlando).
And from Quebec City, direct flights will be offered to the United States (Fort Lauderdale).
In addition, the company will also offer vacationers a selection of South packages, featuring 160 properties and four collections: Luxury, Out of Office, Family and Solo.
Depending on the evolution of travel restrictions, Air Transat may have to modify its flight schedule. Nevertheless, it would like to reassure travellers affected by major changes that they would be eligible for a refund.
Three more Airbus A321neoLR aircraft added to the fleet
Air Transat continues to transform its fleet with the delivery of three new Airbus A321neoLR, bringing the total number of these aircraft in its fleet to 10. Seven more are expected to be delivered progressively by 2023. It is worth reminding that these new generation aircraft have the lowest environmental impact in their class, reinforcing the company’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The addition of these aircraft enhances the airline’s world-class fleet, one of the most modern in the industry.
About Air Transat Air Transat is a leading leisure travel brand established nearly 35 years ago that offers domestic and connecting flights within Canada as well as international flights to destinations of choice in the Americas and Europe. Air Transat and its personnel strive to serve travellers with enthusiasm and friendliness, emphasizing safety at all stages of their travel experience. The carrier’s multiple initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon emissions include operation of a fleet of new-generation Airbus aircraft and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Air Transat has been voted World’s Best Leisure Airline by passengers at the Skytrax World Airline Awards.
Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., an integrated international tourism company headquartered in Montreal that was awarded Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its sustainability commitments. Visit airtransat.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Recent distinctions and awards
World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards
Ranked 2nd Travel and Leisure Company and 57th overall on Forbes World’s Best Employers List
Best Tour Operator and Favourite Overall Supplier at the Agents’ Choice Awards presented by Baxter Travel Media
Canadian Aviation News 
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