Government of Canada and Canadian North agree on new terms and conditions of airline merger

OTTAWA, ON, April 21, 2023 /CNW/ – From travelling to appointments to helping deliver essential necessities such as food, medicine and other goods, strong, financially stable northern air transportation providers are vital to support vibrant and sustainable communities in the North.

In 2019, the Government of Canada approved the merger of First Air and Canadian North, subject to several terms and conditions meant to protect the public interest. Since then, the air transportation landscape has changed dramatically due to the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has had a lasting impact on Canadian North’s ability to comply with the existing conditions, while also providing service to northern communities. During the pandemic, Canadian North was exempted from its scheduling obligations, and received $138 million in direct funding from the Government of Canada.

The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, today announced that the Government of Canada and Canadian North have agreed on new terms and conditions that will allow Canadian North to remain financially viable and sustainable, while continuing to provide required levels of service to rural and remote communities in Northern Canada.

The Government of Canada and Canadian North have agreed on a profit cap, which will allow them to adjust fares and routes to remain viable without cutting off communities or placing a significant financial burden on northern travellers.

Examples of the new terms and conditions include:

• Ensuring that all communities it currently serves continue to receive at least one scheduled flight a week. Further, should the passenger load factors exceed 85 percent on average on any given route for a period of six consecutive months, Canadian North will be expected to adjust its capacity/schedules to be reflective of the increased demand.
• Limiting average annual regional fare increases for both passenger and cargo transportation to 25 percent within a calendar year.
• Limiting yearly net profit margins to no more than 10 percent on its scheduled passenger and cargo network (excluding the Edmonton-Yellowknife and Montreal-Kuujjuaq routes), while also allowing the airline to recoup past losses over a 3-year period.
• Providing information for quarterly auditing by an independent monitor.

The new agreement also includes regular oversight for the Minister to ensure that the public interest is maintained.

Quote

“Canadian North provides an important service to the North, and is the only true full network air carrier in much of the region. These new terms and conditions will ensure northern and remote communities have the access to the air services they need, while at the same time ensuring Canadian North remains a viable service provider.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• Canadian North is a 100% Inuit-owned airline.
• Canadian North services 25 communities within the Northwest Territories, Nunavik and Nunavut, as well as Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton and Calgary.
• All Canadian North aircraft are gravel and ice strip equipped for landing in remote locations.

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

Minister of Transport presents proposed amendments to the Canada Transportation Act to strengthen air passenger rights and simplify the complaint resolution process

OTTAWA, ON, April 24, 2023 /CNW/ – The air sector plays a crucial role in connecting Canadians across the country and to the world, and creates good, middle-class jobs to help build an economy that works for everyone. Protecting the rights of air passengers is a priority of the Government of Canada, and the government will continue to ensure that travellers’ rights are respected by airlines when air travel does not go according to plan.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced that proposed amendments to the Canada Transportation Act have been introduced as part of Bill C-47, the Budget Implementation Act. These proposed amendments would strengthen Canada’s passenger rights regime, streamline the processes for administering air travel complaints before the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency), and increase air carriers’ accountability. 

In 2019, for the first time in Canadian history, an air passenger rights regime, called the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) was implemented. The regulations clarified minimum requirements and compensation. During the pandemic, the government strengthened these rights to include refunds for cancellations and long delays in situations outside the airline’s control, including major weather events or a pandemic.

These new proposed amendments to the Canada Transportation Act would, among other things, allow the Agency to modify its regulations to:

• make compensation mandatory for all disruptions, unless the disruption was caused by very limited circumstances that would be specifically defined by regulations;
• remove exemptions to air carriers’ compensation obligations based on broad categories of disruptions (e.g., disruptions outside/within the control of airlines or required for safety);
• make standards of treatment, such as the provision of food and water, mandatory for all flight disruptions;
• establish requirements for delayed baggage and prescribe parameters around refund requirements as a result of a travel advisory issued by the Government.

The amendments would also:

• replace the current process for resolving air travel complaints, which includes an adjudication process by Governor in Council-appointed members, with a more simplified process conducted primarily by Agency staff to ensure travellers get quicker decisions;
• impose a greater burden of proof on air carriers where it is presumed that compensation is payable to a complainant, unless the air carrier proves the contrary;
• require air carriers to establish an internal process for dealing with air travel claims;
• broaden the authority of the Agency to set fees and charges to recover its costs; and
• enhance the Agency’s enforcement powers with respect to the air transportation sector by allowing the Agency to increase the maximum amount of Administrative Monetary Penalties applicable to the APPR for corporations and by providing the Agency with the authority to enter into compliance agreements with air carriers.

Following royal assent of the Budget Implementation Act, the Agency would have the authority to initiate the regulatory process to amend the APPR in consultation with the Minister of Transport. New regulations are expected to be in place at the earliest opportunity. As of September 30, 2023, or if it is later, as of the day on which the Budget Implementation Act receives royal assent, the Agency would begin to resolve complaints through the new complaint resolution process.  

Together with the $75.9 million over three years previously announced for the Agency to help reduce the backlog of complaints, these measures would help ensure that if events similar to those of last summer and over the holiday season occur, passengers are treated fairly, and the carriers meet their obligations swiftly.

Quote

“It is clear that a stronger and simpler system is needed to increase air carriers’ accountability and transparency, reduce the number of incidents referred to the Agency, and streamline the Agency’s processes for addressing travel complaints. The proposed amendments would significantly enhance our air passenger rights regime to ensure travellers get the services and treatment they pay for and deserve.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra  
Minister of Transport

Associated Link

Bill C-47, the Budget Implementation Act

Quick Facts

• The Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal and regulator with the mandate to help ensure that the national transportation system runs efficiently, smoothly and is accessible in the interests of all Canadians.
• The Agency is responsible for enforcing the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, which came fully into force in December 2019.
• In 2022, new regulations on refund requirements for flight cancellations or lengthy delays outside of an air carrier’s control came into force.

Transport Canada is online at tc.canada.ca.

Minister of Transport announces study on airport capacity needs in Southern Ontario

OTTAWA, ON, April 18, 2023 /CNW/ – Southern Ontario is Canada’s most populous area, with the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) alone home to over 6.3 million Canadians. Ontario’s population is also expected to grow significantly over the next two decades. This is why the Government of Canada needs to assess the requirement for additional airport capacity in the region.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced that Transport Canada has issued a Request for Proposals to hire an aviation professional services contractor to help the department analyze current and future airport supply and demand in Southern Ontario. The contractor will assist Transport Canada officials in scoping the requirements for a comprehensive study of airport capacity in Southern Ontario, as well as a formal consultation process.

Following the scoping of work for the study, Transport Canada will post a second Request for Proposals to engage a third-party contractor to undertake the study as well as the consultation.

This analysis, as well as engagement with local stakeholders, the provincial and municipal governments, and Indigenous Peoples, is a first step towards making a final decision to address future airport capacity constraints in the region, and on the future of the Pickering Lands. We have no intention to proceed with building an airport on the Pickering Lands in the near term and the conclusions of the study could lead, for example, to a determination that an airport on the Pickering Lands is not required in the long term.

Quote 

“Air travel is essential to growing an economy that works for everyone and creating good, middle-class jobs in Southern Ontario and the rest of the country. As we continue to support the recovery of the air sector, there is a need to study and understand the potential impacts of a growing population on existing airport infrastructure. Today is the beginning of a process to analyze the future of the Southern Ontario airport system. This work will also bring us closer to making a final decision on the Pickering Lands.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra 
Minister of Transport 

Associated Link

• Aviation Professional Services – Tender Notice | CanadaBuys

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

TSB recommends that Transport Canada establish a framework for routine review and improvement to the Civil Aviation Medical Examiners’ guidelines

Edmonton, Alberta, 14 March 2023 — Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is issuing a recommendation aimed at improving the Civil Aviation Medical Examiners’ guidelines. It is being issued as part of investigation (A21W0089) in which an amateur-built Cavalier SA102.5 aircraft entered into an aerodynamic stall and collided with terrain, in Lacombe, Alberta, on 09 October 2021, resulting in the death of the pilot.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Alberta reported that the cause of death was attributed to blunt force trauma, with cardiovascular disease as a significant contributing factor. The report also noted that the pilot had evidence of a heart attack, although it was not possible to determine the exact time of this event.

Since 2000, TSB has investigated eight accidents, including this one, involving commercial pilots in which cardiovascular disease was identified as a finding as to risk or finding as to cause.

Recommendation to Transport Canada

Following a loss of control and collision with terrain that took place in Miramichi, New Brunswick, on 23 April 2010 (investigation report A10A0041), the Board issued a safety concern indicating that medical practitioners may not always be aware of the need or importance of transmitting reportable medical conditions and, further, that deficiencies exist in the guidelines designed to screen for cardiovascular risks.

If Transport Canada guidance material and the civil aviation medical examination report do not include up-to-date cardiovascular screening methods to perform a global cardiovascular assessment when appropriate, there is an increased risk that cardiovascular disease will remain unidentified and pilots may become incapacitated while operating an aircraft.

Therefore, the Board recommends that the Department of Transport establish a framework for routine review and improvement to the Handbook for Civil Aviation Medical Examiners to ensure it contains the most effective screening tools for assessing medical conditions such as cardiovascular health issues. (TSB Recommendation A23-01)

These updated screening guidelines would reduce the likelihood of pilots becoming incapacitated while operating an aircraft and mitigate the risk of another accident such as this one.

See the investigation page for more information.

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The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.

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Collision with terrain
Privately registered
Cavalier SA102.5 (amateur-built aircraft), C-FBWF
Lacombe Aerodrome, Alberta, 14 NM E
09 October 2021

Summary

On 09 October 2021, the privately registered, amateur-built Cavalier SA102.5 aircraft (registration C-FBWF, serial number 6958) was conducting a local recreational flight from Lacombe Aerodrome, Alberta, with 1 pilot and 1 passenger on board. When the aircraft was 14 nautical miles east of the aerodrome, it entered an aerodynamic stall, resulting in a left-hand spin and collision with terrain. The pilot, who was seated in the left seat, was fatally injured; the passenger received serious injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged; there was no post-impact fire. The 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter activated. A satellite tracking device also helped locate the aircraft.

1.0 Factual information

1.1 History of the flight

At approximately 1516 on 09 October 2021, the privately registered, amateur-built Cavalier SA102.5 aircraft (registration C-FBWF, serial number 6958) departed Lacombe Aerodrome (CEG3), Alberta, for a local recreational flight with the owner/pilot and 1 passenger on board.

After departing CEG3, the aircraft flew generally eastward. Details of the flight path (Figure 1) were captured every 10 minutes by a SPOT satellite tracking device on board. The last recorded position of the aircraft while it was airborne was at 1556, at an approximate altitude of 5095 feet above sea level (ASL). Following this, the aircraft changed direction to a south-southeast heading and at some point between this position and the accident site, the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall, resulting in a spin and collision with terrain. The accident site was approximately 14 nautical miles east of Lacombe Aerodrome, Alberta, at an elevation of 2644 feet ASL.

Figure 1. Map showing the aircraft’s position plots recorded by the SPOT satellite tracking device (Source: Google Earth, with TSB annotations)

At 1605, the 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT) activated and a signal was detected by the Canadian Mission Control Centre, which relayed the information to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, Ontario. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre contacted first responders within 2 minutes.

First responders arrived at the site approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes after the accident. The pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger was seriously injured.

See the investigation page for more information.

Global Crossing Airlines Granted Amended Foreign Air Operators Certificate by Transport Canada

MIAMI, March 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Crossing Airlines Group, Inc. (JET: NEO; JET.B: NEO; JETMF: OTCQB) (the “Company” or “GlobalX”) has amended its Foreign Air Operators Certificate issued by Transport Canada. The Amended Canadian FAOC adds the number of, and type of, aircraft GlobalX can provide as part of its charter and ACMI offering into Canada from the US, including operating on behalf of existing Canadian airlines.

“We greatly appreciate the support provided to us by Transport Canada during our approval process. Canada will become an increasingly important market for us and we continue to provide additional aircraft capacity to Canadian airlines during their peak seasons, as well as to provide aircraft for operational reasons,” said Ed Wegel, Chair and CEO. “By adding the A321 and additional aircraft to our FAOC we can offer both larger capacity and cargo aircraft to Canadian customers and airlines.”

About Global Crossing Airlines

GlobalX is a US 121 domestic flag and supplemental Airline flying the Airbus A320 family aircraft. GlobalX flies as a passenger ACMI and charter airline serving the US, Caribbean, European and Latin American markets. In 2023, GlobalX entered ACMI cargo service flying the A321 freighter. For more information, please visit www.globalxair.com. 

Minister of Transport announces additional funding for the Canadian Transportation Agency to help clear the backlog of air passenger complaints

OTTAWA, ON, March 14, 2023 /CNW/ – The air sector plays a crucial role in connecting Canadians from coast to coast to coast and to the world. The sector also helps create good, middle-class jobs and build an economy that works for everyone. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery has been difficult, and travellers have experienced many flight delays and cancellations that are unacceptable. These travellers have rights, and the Government of Canada will continue to ensure that they are respected by the airlines.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra, announced $75.9 million in additional funding over three years, starting in 2023-24, to ensure the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) has the resources to address passenger rights complaints, and strengthen the operation of the federal transportation network, enabling the Agency to efficiently deliver on its mandate for Canadians. For example, the new funding will make it possible to hire more employees to deal with complaints.

In 2019, for the first time in Canadian history, an air passenger rights regime, called the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), was implemented to clarify minimum requirements and compensation based on whether an airline has control over the disruption or not. During the pandemic, the government strengthened these rights to include refunds for situations outside the airline’s control, including major weather events or a pandemic.

The funding announced today will help strengthen passenger rights by giving the Agency additional resources to carry out its mandate and reduce the backlog of existing complaints.

The Government of Canada is also working on significant reforms to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations to ensure passenger rights are even more protected. These changes will place Canada at the forefront of passenger protections globally and, together with other steps to be taken, will help prevent the frustrating passenger experiences of last summer and over the holiday season.

Quote

“Travellers have rights, and these rights must be respected by airlines. When airlines do not provide the reimbursement or compensation to which travellers are entitled, the Canadian Transportation Agency is there to ensure passenger rights are respected. Today’s announcement helps give the Agency more resources to deal with complaints and ensure the rules are respected. Our government also continues to work to strengthen and clarify travellers’ rights.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• The Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal and regulator with the mandate to help ensure that the national transportation system runs efficiently, smoothly and is accessible in the interests of all Canadians.
• The Agency is responsible for enforcing the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, which came fully into force in 2019.
• In 2022, new regulations on refund requirements for flight cancellations or lengthy delays outside of an air carrier’s control came into force.

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

Government of Canada approves acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines by WestJet Airlines Ltd. with strict terms and conditions

OTTAWA, ON , March 10, 2023 /CNW/ – The Government of Canada’s priority is to ensure a safe and competitive air sector for travellers, workers and communities. It is also committed to supporting Canada’s aviation industry, while creating good, middle-class jobs for Canadians and building an economy that works for everyone.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced that following Transport Canada’s assessment of the public interest, which incorporated the findings of the Commissioner of Competition, and consultations with Canadians, consumer protection groups, unions and industry, the Government of Canada has approved the acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines by WestJet Airlines Ltd., subject to strict terms and conditions that are in the interest of Canadians.

The decision to approve this acquisition was not taken lightly, especially considering the delays and bottlenecks experienced by travellers last summer, as well as the customer service and communications challenges by Sunwing during the recent holiday season. In determining the proposed purchase is in the public interest, the government considered a broad range of factors, such as levels of service, social and economic implications, the financial health of the air transportation sector, and competition.  

Given the current air sector landscape, it was important to ensure that the final agreement offered the best possible outcome for Canadians. The acquisition will help maintain the stability of the sector as Sunwing will continue to provide more affordable vacation packages to Canadians, while being financially supported by WestJet.

The acquisition will also result in enforceable terms and conditions intended to protect the interests of travellers. These strict terms and conditions include:

• Extending Sunwing vacation package offerings to five new Canadian cities;
• Maintaining capacity on routes most affected by the merger;
• Increasing regional connectivity;
• Improving baggage handling for better passenger experience;
• Maintaining a vacations business head office in the Toronto area and a regional office in the Montreal area for a minimum of five years;
• Increasing net employment by 20 per cent over three years in the Toronto office;
• Ensuring better passenger experience by investing in IT technology solutions to improve Sunwing’s communications;
• Supplying airfare data on vacation packages for monitoring of post-acquisition price trends; and
• Gradually ending Sunwing’s seasonal leasing practice to protect Canadian jobs.

The Government of Canada is also working on significant reforms to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations to ensure passenger rights are even more protected. These changes will place Canada at the forefront of passenger protections globally and, together with other steps to be taken, will help prevent the frustrating experiences of passengers last summer and over the holiday season.

Quote

“Today’s decision was not taken lightly, especially in light of everything that happened over the holidays for those who flew with Sunwing. After considering the pros and cons, we have made the decision that will allow Sunwing to continue to provide affordable vacation packages to Canadians, create more good jobs, and protect current jobs as well as Canadians who have already purchased tickets. The agreement will also be accompanied by strict terms and conditions to ensure the public interest, including with regard to competition, connectivity and baggage handling.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra                                      
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• The assessment of the public interest involved rigorous analysis and consultations with Canadians and stakeholder groups. Online public consultations ran from May to July 2022.
• In the absence of this acquisition, Canada’s air transport sector could have faced greater instability, including job losses, a significant reduction of affordable vacation offerings, negative impacts on passengers, and the Government not being repaid sizable loans.
• Sunwing is a privately owned travel company founded in 2002 with headquarters in Toronto and a regional office in the Montreal area. Sunwing currently employs approximately 2,200 people.

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

Minister of Transport marks fourth anniversary of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy and announces commemorative projects

OTTAWA, ON, March 10, 2023 /CNW/ – On March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, claiming the lives of 157 people, including 18 Canadians and many others with ties to Canada. The Government of Canada stands in solidarity with their families and loved ones who continue to live with a profound sense of loss. We continue to keep those who were lost in our thoughts and in our hearts. 

Today, on the fourth anniversary of this tragic accident, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced that the Government of Canada is providing financial support for commemorative projects that will honour and preserve the memory of the victims of Flight ET302 in a long-lasting, visible and meaningful way.

Ten Canadian not-for-profit organizations will receive funding to support projects that commemorate the diverse interests and passions of the victims. The commemorative projects will contribute to youth-focused, environmental, humanitarian and community-based causes in Canada and Africa and will be a lasting tribute to the efforts and interests of the victims. 

The organizations receiving funding are:

• Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR): Commemorating Victims of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 by Empowering Disadvantaged High School Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  Working with high school students in Addis Ababa, the project includes youth education and career development; social development; sexual and reproductive health awareness; environmental awareness and stewardship; and humanitarian activities; as well as several school garden projects.
  
• United Nations Association Canada: International Youth Delegate Commemoration Programme
  The association proposes to implement a five-year International Youth Delegate Commemoration Programme supporting the participation of young Canadians (18 to 30 years old) seeking to learn and share their experiences in United Nations meetings and events. The program will provide youth from across Canada with the experience of being a United Nations delegate.
  
• Pinnguaq Association: Danielle Moore Ocean Conservation Makerspace Kits
  The Pinnguaq Ocean Conservation Makerspace Kits program aims to raise awareness and promote best practices for ocean conservation by blending Inuit and Western Knowledge. The program will be delivered in person in Nunavut and online across Canada to Inuit youth. The program includes four modules:
  Introduction to Ringed Seals; Environmental Impact of Climate Change; Water Monitoring Project; and Innovative Climate Change Solutions.
  
• Ocean Wise: Eco-Action Accelerator
  The Eco-Action Accelerator aims to empower young Canadians to transform their environmental service projects into bigger and more impactful initiatives. The program provides alumni of the Employment and Social Development Canada Service Corps with valuable resources such as business plan guidance; a supportive network; access to professional resources; as well as a microgrant of up to $5,000 to cover initial expansion costs.
  
• The Couchiching Conservancy: Angela Rehhorn Commemorative Conservation Project
  The project aims to attract more youth in Orillia, Ontario, to the field of conservation, through education and outreach activities; creating a local environmental youth council; building a community science program; and providing the opportunity to work on unique conservation projects.
  
• Ontario Nature: Youth Environmentalists Take Action for Wetlands
  The project aims to promote wetland conservation as a nature-based solution to climate change through actions led by the provincial Youth Council. The primary objectives for the project are to enhance youth leadership skills in acting for wetlands and climate; advance wetland conservation and climate change action; and commemorate the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy.
  
• Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF): Canadian Conservation Corps Commemorative Cohort
  The CWF proposes to launch commemorative cohorts of the Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC is a three-part conservation program that allows young people to learn about themselves, their community, and the environment. Part one is a training and expedition phase; part two participants volunteer with a conservation organization in Canada; and part three participants deliver meaningful service projects in their home community.
  
• Derick’s Youth Centre: Derick’s Youth Centre (DYC) Enhancement and Expansion Project
  The DYC aims to build and enhance their existing youth-focused programs and services, as well as develop new programs such as a meal program, to better serve communities in need in Calgary, Alberta.
  
• The Pauls Charitable Fund: The Pauls Fund Scholarship Program for Secondary Education
  The Pauls Fund plans to offer a new program to provide scholarships to at-risk and low-income high school students in Kenya, Africa. The scholarships will cover tuition and associated fees for the first four years.
  
• The Selkirk Friendship Centre Daycare: Commemoration Urban Garden and Environmental Learning Space
  The organization aims to create a youth-focused, environmental, and community-based outdoor urban learning space. This space will be accessible to the Selkirk Friendship Centre Daycare, students at Robert Smith School, and the wider Selkirk, Manitoba community. The goal is to create an outdoor garden where youth can learn about environment, the earth, and the animals.

Quote

“We continue to remember the Canadian victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy who lost their lives on this day in 2019, and our government remains committed to supporting the families and friends left behind. These commemorative projects will pay tribute to those who lost their lives by building on their contributions to youth-focused, humanitarian, environmental and community-based causes, and their desire to make this world a better place. We are honoured to have worked with the families to develop the Commemoration Fund for the Victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, ensuring the victims will never be forgotten.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport 

Quick Facts

• Budget 2021 provided $5.6 million over five years to Transport Canada for initiatives to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy.
• In November 2022, Minister Alghabra announced the creation of the Commemoration Fund for the Victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy. The Fund is comprised of two components – scholarships and commemorative projects.
• Universities Canada has been selected to administer the scholarship component of the Commemoration Fund for the Victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. The $2.5-million scholarship program will be implemented over a five-year period, beginning in the 2023/24 academic year.
• To honour all victims of air tragedies, the Government of Canada has designated January 8 of every year as a National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters.

Associated Links

• Commemoration Fund for the Victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy
• Minister of Transport launches the Commemoration Fund for the Victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Tragedy

Transport Canada is online at tc.canada.ca.

The Government of Canada is investing in storage capacity at the Gander International Airport in Newfoundland and Labrador to strengthen Canada’s supply chains

GANDER, NL, March 1, 2023 /CNW/ – An efficient and reliable transportation network is key to making life more affordable for Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring our supply chains support Canada’s economic growth and create good jobs for middle-class Canadians, while maintaining their resiliency and ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change.  

Today, the Minister of Rural Economic Development, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, and the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced an investment of up to $4.6 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund for the construction of a specialized seafood storage facility project at the Gander International Airport.

This close to $9.7 million total project will allow the Gander International Airport Authority Inc. to build a seafood storage facility that will be equipped with water treatment systems, sea water storage tanks, cold/chilled storage, and blast freezers. It will be able to store up to 75 tonnes of fresh or live seafood and will allow for rapid offloading of delivered cargo from shippers and producers.

This investment will have significant economic benefits for the region and will address supply chain bottlenecks, speed up the movement of goods, and facilitate air shipments to international markets.

The Government of Canada continues to make investments to strengthen the country’s supply chain, promote economic growth and enhance the opportunities for our businesses to expand into global markets. This investment represents another long-term commitment to work with stakeholders on strategic infrastructure projects to address transportation bottlenecks, vulnerabilities, and congestion along Canada’s trade corridors.

Quotes

“Today’s investment in Gander International Airport will help the region reduce supply chain congestion while creating good jobs for middle-class Canadians. By investing in a seafood storage facility, we can increase the efficiency of delivering goods from shippers and producers, thereby strengthening our supply chains. Making these investments now will have lasting economic benefits for the Gander region and Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra 
Minister of Transport 

“Today’s investment from our government is great news for the Gander Airport and our rural communities. The new seafood facility will help strengthen Gander’s connection to global markets and will create reliable trade flows between Canada and the world. The benefits to Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood industry and local economy will be felt for many years to come.”

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings 
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Gander International Airport is a beacon of welcome to Canada to visitors coming from away and for Newfoundlanders returning home. This new facility will further showcase and share Canada with the world. With this investment, we are strengthening our supply chains and ensuring that local businesses and communities are now more accessible to partners and investors from Canada and around the globe.”

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault  
Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

“We are excited to play an enabling role in bringing premium Newfoundland and Labrador seafood to diners and families worldwide. The Federal Government’s investment in this facility has transformative potential for the airport and its industry partners.”

Reg Wright 
President and CEO, GIAA

Quick Facts 

• The Government of Canada, through the National Trade Corridors Fund, is making investments that will support the flow of goods across Canada’s supply chains.
• The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada. A total of $4.7 billion over 11 years (2017-2028) has been allocated to the program.
• Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, Transport Canada is supporting improvements to Canada’s roads, rail, air, and marine shipping routes to foster domestic and international trade.
• The National Trade Corridors Fund’s Increasing the Fluidity of Canada’s Supply Chains call for proposals supports fluid and reliable trade flows between Canada and global markets, as well as internal trade corridors.

Related Product 

National Trade Corridors Fund Backgrounder 

Minister of Transport marks National Aviation Day Statement

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 23, 2023 /CNW/ – The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, issued this statement today to mark National Aviation Day:

“Every year on February 23, we take time to celebrate Canada’s rich aviation heritage, and recognize the special role that aviation plays in connecting Canadians. This year, we also want to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of the many aviation workers across the industry. Air transportation safety is a priority in Canada, and we have one of the safest aviation systems in the world. Airline and airport employees, flight crews, engineers, air traffic controllers and maintenance workers all help to ensure a high standard of safety and security for Canadian travellers.

“Today marks the anniversary of Canada’s first powered flight, when in 1909, pilot J.A.D. McCurdy flew the Silver Dart nearly 800 metres in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. This first flight over 100 years ago paved the way for today’s dedicated aviation and commercial pilots to connect people and move goods safely and quickly across our country and around the world.

“Canada’s aviation sector plays a key role in our country’s economy, and in sustaining the social and economic well-being of our communities. In addition to supporting personal travel, aviation is a key connector for Canadian business, health care, social services, and keeps our supply chains strong.

“As Canada continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, investments in our aviation sector remain crucial to maintain safety, security, and connectivity for travellers, workers, and our communities. It is important that we continue to ensure a strong and competitive Canadian air sector. Our government’s support will help airlines and airports invest in the infrastructure and tools needed to help strengthen the industry and allow Canadians to feel safe and secure when they travel, while creating good middle-class jobs for Canadians.

“As we reflect on Canada’s aviation history, we are committed to continue collaborating with our partners, and to reinforce the importance of connectivity. Our discussions continue to focus on what needs to be done to build a more resilient and reliable air transportation sector for the future.

“Please join me in celebrating our rich history in aviation, our world-renowned reputation as a global leader for aviation safety, and the many people throughout Canada’s aviation history who were instrumental in shaping Canada’s aviation safety, strength and success.”

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.