Business leaders have flooded to Ontario to convince federal authorities to prevent Air Canada strike

Canadian business leaders arrived in Ontario today (September 12) to encourage federal intervention in the potential labour disruption between Air Canada and the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA).

In an official release by Business and Tourism Industry Organizations, it was indicated that the industry leaders have travelled to Ottawa to gain the attention of federal authorities, as Air Canada workers have been poised to strike for some time.  

Major concerns from these experts in Canadian enterprise stem from wounds leftover from the COVID-19 pandemic, as they have stated an abundant need to stabilize the economy and ensure that travel for business, pleasure and cargo transportation must remain uninterrupted. 

“Canada cannot afford another major disruption to its transportation network. A labour disruption at Air Canada would ripple through our economy, from tourism to critical supply chains. The federal government must be prepared to intervene if necessary,” said Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada in an official statement. 

Beyond the internal stressors within the national economy, other business leaders who made the trip have indicated that if labour disruptions were to occur via an Air Canada strike, Canada’s position as a global trade partner would be put in jeopardy. 

“The economy is already fragile after recent disruptions in our transportation networks. Another labour dispute would further damage Canada’s standing as a reliable global trading partner. The government must act promptly to help protect small businesses across the country,” said Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses in an official statement. 

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Additional information provided on behalf of Business and Tourism Industry Organizations indicated that, while there is no good time for a strike, September is an incredibly volatile time of year, as it is a peak time for tourism, business conferences and other major events across the country and internationally.

At the time of publication, no information has been released by the federal government surrounding any correspondence with representatives from Business and Tourism Industry Organizations. 

However, the organization remains clear in their message that Canada’s transportation infrastructure is too critical to allow for any potential disruption, and as a result, the government must intervene.