September 11, 2024
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A2
The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Seniors
Place du Portage Phase II
165 de l’Hôtel-de-Ville Street
Gatineau, Québec J8X 3X2
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Transport
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
C. D. Howe Building
235 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada
Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of
Canada for the Regions of Quebec
C. D. Howe Building
235 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
C. D. Howe Building
235 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5
Dear Prime Minister and Ministers:
The chambers of commerce of Fredericton, Greater Moncton and the Saint John region, New Brunswick’s largest urban centers, express deep concern regarding the potential strike by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) which represents more than 5,200 pilots at Air Canada.
Talks between the airline and union are continuing, but both parties appear to remain far apart and a potential strike looms on September 18 following a mandated three-week cooling-off period. Air Canada and its subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge, operate nearly 670 flights daily, which carry as many as 120,000 travellers for business or other essential reasons such as for health care, to visit family and friends, or vacations. Even a short suspension will have major consequences, some of which cannot be recovered.
We respect the rights of unions and skilled professionals to achieve meaningful compensation. Pilots are valued partners in our goal of growth and expansion of transportation options both domestic and international. We write today, however, concerning the primary issue of our hard-earned recovery and the economic momentum finally achieved following the difficult pandemic era.
New Brunswick’s population grew by 3.1 per cent in 2023, largely thanks to robust immigration. The growth rate was the highest ever recorded in New Brunswick as Statistics Canada estimates the current population is nearing 860,000 with Moncton the fastest-growing census metropolitan area in Canada last year for the second consecutive year, and Fredericton standing as the nine fastest in the country.
We fear the destabilizing effects of a national airlines strike in terms of economic, health, tourism and immigration services would be devastating to our respective communities, affecting all forms of growth established within the urban centres of New Brunswick and the province as a whole.
Our airports represent necessary and vital points of access for international companies, small- and medium-sized businesses, higher education institutions, health and safety services, tourism and large industries. The chambers of commerce of Fredericton, the Greater Moncton and Saint John area are active partners and stakeholders of the Fredericton International Airport (YFC), the Greater Moncton Romeo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) and the Saint John Airport (YSJ) respectively. These airports are integral parts of the economic development, tourism, immigration services and the proliferation of employment opportunities in our communities and of our province.
YFC is home to 20 companies employing more than 400 employees. With a strong record of growth and a new terminal building, it is a modern gateway for all New Brunswick and the home airport for Fredericton’s Capital Region. YFC has reported impressive results following in 2023, including 25% passenger traffic growth over the previous year, and is on a growth trajectory similar to pre-pandemic levels which saw nine consecutive years of increased traffic prior to 2020.
YQM has equally exhibited tremendous growth and recovery as in 2023, passenger numbers surged by 28% compared to the previous year and in 2024 it looks to achieve 97% of pre-pandemic passenger traffic. In 2023, YQM had a total of 1,477 cargo flights, with 33 of them being international, handling a total of 22, 032 metric tons of cargo.
YSJ saw an 18 per cent increase in 2023 over 2022 passenger numbers and is projected to exponentially increase in the coming years, with a projected return to pre-pandemic passenger numbers by 2026-2027. As part of an inter-modal partnership with the community’s rail, trucking and shipping transportation system, YSJ is an active community partner and sponsor of events such as Port Days, Student Leadership Conference and Airway of Heroes.
As stated, we recognize the importance for pilots to be fairly compensated, but previous statements comparing the current pay rates at U.S. rival Delta Air Lines (up to 45 per cent higher than the Canadian carrier’s hourly pay rates) are extremely concerning as we view such a standard as an untenable barrier to effective resolution. We present that the Canadian and U.S. airline industries do not allow for productive comparison for a myriad of variables, including demographic, geographic and economic conditions.
We speak today from an inherently community perspective representing the province of New Brunswick, Atlantic Canadian realities and a continual need to expand connections across Canada. A uniquely Canadian resolution representing fair and sustainable compensation practices is the only path forward. This is our goal, and the urban chambers of commerce of New Brunswick call for committed action to resolve any impasse and achieve a timely resolution through an agreed framework to settle any disputes.
As we work to solidify all aspects of our hard-earned growth, any form of disruption to services deemed essential in our communities must be avoided and remaining issues of conflict resolved through an equitable resolution process.
Sincerely,
Morgan Peters – CEO, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
Xavier Infantas – Interim CEO, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton
Tracy Bell – CEO, Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce
