September 22, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – The National Airlines Council of Canada supports the government objective to strengthen the Canada Labour Code. This national framework is key to resolving labour disputes across federally regulated sectors, and the association appreciates additional measures included within the Building Canada Strong Act to achieve this objective.

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. We encourage the government to take the measures required and work closely with all parties to avoid labour disruptions, which can significantly harm the travelling public and Canada’s global reputation.

“Canada’s airlines 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 readily available to help the parties reach a resolution to protect passengers, communities and the national interest.”

NACC previously urged the federal government to introduce measures to facilitate dispute resolution. We welcome the proposed special mediator framework as an important step forward in providing transparency for the public and the introduction of a national interest consideration will promote the need to assess the impacts in future disputes within critical sectors. In this new environment the industry is keenly interested in further understanding the conditions for the future application of section 107 considering the establishment of new use criteria. NACC additionally welcomes the proposed clarification around medical leave that recognizes collectively bargained paid medical leave provisions that meet or exceed statutory standards.

NACC also supports proposed measures that enhance Ministerial powers, subject to defined conditions, to take measures to resume or continue operations, extend a collective agreement, or impose a binding method of resolving disputed issues.

While the Building Canada Strong Act represents a meaningful first step, NACC will advocate in support of refinements during the legislative process, to reflect the unique realities of the aviation sector.

“NACC looks forward to working with the federal government, partners and stakeholders to learn more detail and to ensure this proposed legislation reaches its full potential — taking into account the unique role of air transportation and the economic and social consequences that can arise from disruptions to the sector,” said Morrison.

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About the National Airlines Council of Canada:

The National Airlines Council of Canada represents Canada’s largest national and international passenger air carriers: Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet. It promotes safe, sustainable, accessible and competitive air travel by advocating for the development of policies, regulations and legislation to foster a world-class transportation system. In 2024, air transportation contributed an estimated 3.8% of Canada’s GDP, and supported 809,000 jobs in Canada.

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