NDP Leader Criticizes Government’s Airport Privatization Plans

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NDP Leader Avi Lewis denounces the Canadian government's airport privatization plans, arguing it will lead to higher fees and precarious employment for workers.

OTTAWA — In a recent statement, NDP Leader Avi Lewis has expressed strong disapproval of the Canadian government’s approach to airport operations, labeling its plans as a form of privatization despite the government’s reluctance to use that terminology. Speaking outside the House of Commons on Tuesday, Lewis, accompanied by his caucus and union leaders, argued that the government’s proposal to allow private investors to manage Canada’s four largest airports—Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver—would inevitably lead to increased costs for travelers.
At the Canada Investment Summit held in Toronto on September 15, Prime Minister Mark Carney advocated for this initiative, suggesting that privatization would enable the federal government to allocate more resources to smaller airports, which would help reduce operational costs. However, Lewis countered this argument, asserting that transferring public assets to private investors for extended periods constitutes outright privatization.
Lewis criticized the government's assurance that public ownership of the land and infrastructure would remain intact, calling it a misleading distinction. He drew parallels to the Ontario government’s long-term lease of Highway 407, which was sold for approximately $3 billion in 1999. Lewis pointed out that the road's value has drastically increased to roughly $40 billion today, with Ontario drivers having paid around $25 billion in tolls over the years while 72 years remain on the lease.
Tammy Moore, who chairs Unifor’s aviation council and works for Air Canada in Saint John, New Brunswick, echoed Lewis’s concerns, emphasizing that the labor force at airports could suffer under private management. She highlighted that many airport workers, including baggage handlers, are currently employed as subcontractors, which could lead to job insecurity if service providers change.
Moore warned that in instances of airport privatization in other countries, private investors often achieve profitability by implementing staffing reductions and increasing fees for travelers and airlines alike. “The investor doesn’t pay. You do and the workers do,” she stated, underscoring the potential negative impact on both passengers and employees.
Despite these concerns, the federal government maintains that it will continue to own the land and that the airports will still adhere to existing safety regulations. Additionally, NDP transport critic Heather McPherson pointed out that the government currently generates $525 million annually from airport operations, suggesting this revenue could be reinvested into regional hubs. She called for an emergency debate in the House of Commons on the matter, though her request was ultimately rejected by a vote.
As the debate continues, the future of airport operations in Canada remains uncertain, with significant implications for both travelers and airport workers alike.

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