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The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the findings of the Competition Bureau’s latest report “Cleared for take-off: Elevating airline competition” which calls on federal decision-makers to prioritize competition in aviation policy, ease restrictions on foreign investment, and improve service to remote and underserved communities.
The report also acknowledges recent changes in Canada’s domestic air travel market which continues to be dominated by just two players who service between 50 and 75 per cent of passenger traffic at major Canadian airports. Notably, it highlights the impact of route changes by Air Canada and WestJet through 2022.
These changes prompted the Saskatoon Chamber to ask the Competition Bureau to look into Air Canada’s sudden cancellation of its long-standing and profitable Saskatoon-Calgary route in January 2023.
The Saskatoon Chamber was the only Saskatchewan-based stakeholder to provide a written submission to inform the bureau’s latest report.
“Weak competition in mid-sized markets like Saskatoon creates barriers for our city’s businesses, institutions and residents, as well as those wishing to visit, study or do business here,” said Jason Aebig, CEO of the Saskatoon Chamber. “We appreciate the Bureau shining a spotlight on this vital industry, meeting directly with us, and incorporating our concerns into its findings.”
In 2024, the Saskatoon Chamber also advanced a policy resolution at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM calling for changes to federal competition rules and air travel policies, garnering 93 per cent support of chambers from across Canada.
“The feedback we’ve heard from our members, and other chambers, is consistent: Canadians need better options in the air,” said Aebig. “We appreciate the Bureau’s hard work. Now, it’s time for Ottawa to move.”
The Saskatoon Chamber is eager to see progress on the Bureau’s recommendations and changes that will improve service, pricing and connections for Saskatoon, which continues to outpace nearly every other Canadian city in economic growth.