Our Statement on the Competition Bureau’s Report Regarding Air Travel

The market study report released this week by the Competition Bureau includes several recommendations intended to increase competition in Canada’s airline industry, though some are unfortunately founded on the premise that Canada’s air travel market is less competitive than those of comparable jurisdictions.

In fact, the proportion of airlines carrying domestic passengers on non-stop flights is similar, if not less concentrated, in Canada than in markets such as the U.S., the E.U., or Australia, while smaller carriers have seen an increase in domestic market share over recent years.

Given our vast geography, reliable long-range transportation is non-negotiable for Canadian travellers, and the study has recognized air travel as essential for connecting them. However, attempting to drive up competition by opening domestic aviation to foreign carriers could have long-term consequences for regional connectivity.

Canadians deserve an aviation system that is affordable, competitive and sustainable. There is a real opportunity to capitalize on the strengths of our aviation sector, but only if we treat it like the economic driver it is.

• Pascal Chan, Vice President, Strategic Policy and Supply Chains, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success 

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — working to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success, and impact on business and economic performance.   

Media Contact

Shane Mackenzie
Vice President, Media and Stakeholder Communications
613.302.7683
smackenzie@chamber.ca