The Saskatoon Chamber's policy resolution, titled "Connecting Canada: Improving Air Connectivity for Mid-Sized Airports," successfully passed with enthusiastic support at the Canadian Chamber Conference, with a few small amendments made to tighten the scope of the resolution. This resolution addresses critical challenges facing mid-sized airports across the nation and offers actionable recommendations to boost their competitiveness and connectivity.
 
Each year, the Canadian Chamber gathers resolutions from across the country that have national significance and will impact businesses nationwide. This year, our focus was on Canada's aviation industry, which plays a crucial role in connecting communities, facilitating trade, and fostering economic growth. Despite its importance, mid-sized airports encounter unique challenges in maintaining competitiveness and fostering connectivity. Currently, the airline industry shows signs of market concentration, with dominant carriers exerting significant influence over route networks and pricing strategies. This concentration creates barriers to entry for new players, limiting mid-sized airports' ability to attract diverse airlines. Additionally, regulatory barriers, funding regimes and foreign ownership restrictions further hinder competition and growth, stifling innovation and favouring established players.
 
The resolution received enthusiastic backing from Chambers across Canada that share similar market dynamics. Notably, these recommendations will now be integrated into the Canadian Chamber’s advocacy efforts for the next three years.
 
A special thank you to Silvia Martini for her outstanding representation of our Chamber and for her presentation of the resolution at the conference.
 
Click here to read the resolution and recommendations.