Yesterday we learned that Air Canada will no longer be offering direct flights to and from Calgary for the province's two biggest airports starting in mid-January. As the region’s largest hub, Calgary has played a vital role helping Saskatoon businesses travelers reach their domestic and international customers/clients. It now appears that business travelers will spend more time, and money, to connect with the markets they serve.
 
No doubt, there are operational and other business decisions behind the move. However, we believe the decision is short-sighted in light of the tailwinds that will propel Saskatoon’s economy starting in 2023.
 
According to the most recent forecasts, Saskatoon’s economy is expected to lead the nation and outpace every major Canadian city in 2023.
 
The Conference Board of Canada is forecasting the Saskatoon economy to grow by 7.2 per cent in 2022 and 3.9 per cent in 2023. This will be, in large part, driven by growth in potash and uranium mining, along with higher output in the energy sector.
 
These companies – including others like Vendasta and many of Saskatoon’s top manufacturing and exporting companies – rely heavily on air services to support and develop markets across North America and around the world.
 
Less than two weeks ago, federal transport minister Omar Alghabra convened a summit to reaffirm that “…safe, efficient and reliable air travel is a top priority for the Government of Canada.”
 
So much for the summit.
 
Get ready to add dollars and hours to your next business trip.
 
Reduced service. Less competition. Harder to get here and go somewhere. The Chamber thanks the Saskatoon Airport Authority for working behind the scenes to make our case and will continue to work with local partners and municipal leaders to “course correct” this short-sighted decision.