OTTAWA, ON – The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) welcomes the federal government’s newly released Building Canada Strong For All report, which recognizes the need for additional tools to support collective bargaining while helping to reduce the significant impacts that labour disruptions can have in critical sectors of the Canadian economy.

Labour stability is essential to Canada’s airline sector. Canada’s airlines connect communities, support tourism and trade, move people and goods across vast distances, and provide essential links for northern, remote and regional communities. When major disruptions occur in aviation, the effects are felt quickly by passengers, workers, businesses, supply chains and communities across the country.

The report reflects what employers, labour organizations and other stakeholders have made clear: Canada needs practical, balanced mechanisms that preserve free collective bargaining while providing a pathway to resolution when a dispute in a critical sector risks serious harm to the public interest.

NACC supports the government’s consideration of a special mediator model in these limited circumstances. Such a tool would not replace collective bargaining. Rather, it would help support the bargaining process by encouraging parties to remain focused on reaching negotiated agreements, improving transparency, and ensuring that broader public interest considerations are clearly identified when a disruption could significantly affect Canadians or the Canadian economy.

“NACC members believe in the importance of collective bargaining and good faith negotiations to achieve agreements,” said Jeff Morrison, President and CEO of NACC. “At the same time, air transportation is a critical service for Canadians and for Canada’s economy. When a dispute threatens to cause widespread disruption, the federal government must have practical tools available to help the parties reach a resolution while protecting passengers, communities and the national interest.”

NACC looks forward to working with the federal government, labour partners and stakeholders on a balanced approach that respects workers, supports employers, protects collective bargaining and recognizes the essential role that air transportation plays in Canada’s economic and social life.