ALPA Canada

Air travel in Canada remains extraordinarily safe, yet recent reports raise serious concerns about the state of our aviation system. In December 2023, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conducted a safety audit under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme. Canada received a concerning score of 65.1%, with flight operations compliance rated the lowest in the G7 at just 22.5%. This marks a sharp decline from 2005, when Canada ranked in the top 10 with a score of 95%. 

The results of this audit highlight the pressing need for action. While our air sector has experienced some of the safest years in recent history, a safe system today does not guarantee safety in the future. We must address the gaps and work to ensure that our system remains safe, resilient, and reliable for pilots, passengers, and the entire industry.

If we do not take swift and significant action to address the issues identified by ICAO, we risk seeing our safety standing downgraded in the eyes of the U.S. government. We cannot afford to jeopardize aviation’s critical role as an economic driver and job creator. ALPA Canada is committed to making the necessary reforms to strengthen and maintain Canada’s global aviation safety standards.

Canadians expect the aviation sector to provide safe, resilient, and reliable service. Our unique geography—vast distances, low population density, and unpredictable weather—makes meeting these goals challenging. Further, one of the world’s most competitive and well-funded aviation systems lies just south of our border, making our aviation challenges even more complex.

These challenges became especially evident in 2022 and 2023 when our air sector faced extreme weather conditions, staffing shortages, and a post-pandemic surge in passengers. Compounding this situation, years of mergers and the closures of smaller airlines led to higher prices, reduced connectivity, and uncertainty for pilots.

To meet Canadians' expectations, we must continue investing in the safety and reliability of our aviation system, especially in the face of mounting industry pressures.

Flight- and duty-time regulations (FDTR), introduced in 2018, were designed to ensure that Canadian pilots have enough rest and are fit to fly safely. While the introduction of FDTRs marked an important step forward, challenges remain in their implementation and oversight. These regulations are applied unevenly and are not enforced as rigorously as they should be.

Without consistent enforcement and proper oversight, the effectiveness of these regulations is compromised. We must prioritize stronger enforcement and address staffing challenges to ensure the continued safety of pilots, other aviation workers, and all who depend on our air transportation system.

Strong regulations protect the safety and well-being of pilots and other aviation workers. These regulations ensure safe and reliable services for travelers—whether they are flying between major cities or traveling to remote and regional communities. However, ongoing pressure to roll back safety measures in the name of cost-cutting threatens the integrity of our aviation system.

Pilots should never be viewed as costs to cut, but as the foundation of a safe, reliable aviation system. To ensure the long-term stability and success of Canada’s aviation sector, it is critical that we focus on improving working conditions, enforcing safety regulations, and fostering an environment where both pilots and the public benefit. The future of aviation depends on responsible regulatory policies that protect pilots and their passengers.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face today, and the aviation sector must play its part. While airlines have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, aviation emissions and fleet sizes are expected to rise in the coming decades.

Canada, as an energy powerhouse and global innovator, is well-positioned to lead the way. Our aviation sector is now eligible for tax credits on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) projects, and Canadian-made aircraft and engines have seen significant improvements in efficiency. However, international investment in green aviation technology is outpacing Canada’s, and domestic investment has been slower compared to the U.S. and the European Union. ALPA Canada is focused on pushing for more investment and innovation to help us keep pace with the global transition to sustainable aviation.

Canada’s aviation infrastructure, once one of the most advanced in the world, now lags behind our global competitors. From new technologies and modern infrastructure to addressing social and corporate sustainability, other countries are moving ahead. Our systems were built on policies from the 1970s and 1980s when deregulation led to a period of growth and innovation. Today, they're showing signs of age.

To meet the demands of today’s industry, we are focused on modernizing critical infrastructure, including airports. These updates will improve safety, boost efficiency, and ensure reliable service, helping Canadian airlines compete in an evolving landscape.

Canadians expect reliable, affordable, and efficient air travel, but the reality of our current system often falls short—especially for those living in rural and regional areas. The challenges of Canada’s vast geography, combined with aging infrastructure and a shortage of skilled local pilots, create significant disparities in service. While major urban centers are seeing steady service improvements, many smaller communities struggle with inconsistent flight availability and rising costs.

To address this, we must modernize our infrastructure, invest in pilot training, and ensure that smaller communities have access to dependable air services. This includes better support for local pilots and training programs tailored to regional needs. By ensuring that workers are trained locally and addressing the high cost of entry for new pilots, we can bridge the gap and create a more equitable and resilient aviation system that serves all Canadians, regardless of where they live.