Selling Canadian airports is a bad idea

A recent poll demonstrates that 53 per cent of Canadians are against privatizing our largest airports. After raising it in the fall, Finance Minister Bill Morneau has yet to rule out selling public airport lands and assets.

“This idea to sell our airports is part of a disturbing trend,” said Robyn Benson, President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), “Trying to make a quick buck of one of our most valuable assets means we will be paying more down the road. The Minister needs to take this off the table, now”.

The Angus Reid Institute survey, released April 26, also found that 46 per cent of Canadians are concerned this could worsen their travelling experience. Airports and airlines have reacted negatively to the idea, voicing concerns that it could increase the cost of air travel.

“Most of our airports are currently non-profit entities. Once they are “profitized”, they will need to start making bigger and bigger profits for their new private investors,” said Christine Collins, President of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE), a component of PSAC. “This could mean higher passenger fees and compromising on service quality, safety, and security”.

Call or email your MP today and tell them to take airport privatization off the table!