Air Canada and WestJet
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- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
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PAOV — You can make a difference. Sign now and join Alex in demanding an end to the monopoly held by a few dominant companies in Canada’s airline industry.

1,855 have signed Alex Etin’s petition. Let’s get to 2,500!
Dear Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,
I hope this letter finds you well. I... write to you today as a concerned citizen of Atlantic Canada. Living in this part of our great nation has always been a source of pride, however, it has become increasingly clear that our access to affordable, efficient, and frequent air travel is severely limited. This problem stems from the stranglehold that a few dominant Canadian airline companies maintain on our airports.
The lack of competition in our air travel sector leads to a deficit of flights, limiting the routes we can take and the frequency of these flights. To exacerbate the situation, the limited supply coupled with high demand has driven prices to prohibitive levels. This disproportionately affects Atlantic Canadians, curbing our ability to travel for business, leisure, or in emergencies. It also hampers our ability to connect with our families and friends across the nation.
Beyond the impact on individuals, the airline monopoly is a deterrent to potential tourists and investors. This is a significant concern for our local economies. Tourism, a major source of income and jobs for many Atlantic communities, is stifled by the high costs and inconvenience of air travel. Similarly, entrepreneurs and investors may be dissuaded from investing in our region due to the travel constraints.
To underscore the potential benefits of addressing this issue, let’s consider the European Union and Australia. In the 1990s, the European Union deregulated their air industry. This change opened the doors to more airlines, sparking healthy competition that resulted in increased frequency of flights, a wider array of routes, and, most importantly, more affordable prices. Australia followed a similar path with its aviation liberalization in the early 1990s. The end of their two-airline policy provided greater choice and improved services for Australians.
Implementing a similar strategy in Canada could hold tremendous economic promise for Atlantic Canada. With increased accessibility and affordability of flights, tourism would likely surge, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses. Enhanced air travel would also foster a more favorable environment for business expansion and innovation, enticing both domestic and foreign investment. This, in turn, could lead to job creation and overall economic growth.
The geographical isolation of Atlantic Canada is a reality we must live with, but the added isolation resulting from a lack of sufficient air travel options is a burden we should not have to bear. The monopoly of the few at the expense of the many is a situation that calls for urgent rectification.
We implore you and your government to seriously consider revising policies to foster greater competition within the Canadian airline industry. Deregulation, while a complex matter, may be a path worth exploring in earnest. The potential benefits for Atlantic Canadians and indeed all Canadians are significant: more frequent and affordable flights, greater connectedness, and improved economic prosperity.
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