31 March 2021

March 29. An ATAC delegation met today with Transport Minister Omar Alghabra to discuss the pathway back to air travel in Canada and abroad. The ATAC Chair, Eric Edmondson, lead the discussions which included financial support for Canadian air operators of all sectors of our industry, the importance of regional aviation in Canada’s connectivity, and the easing of travel restrictions, key to the recovery of our industry.

We were pleased with the Minister’s obvious concern and willingness to work with ATAC Members in finding viable solutions to ensure that aviation in Canada can not only struggle through these extremely difficult but also play its necessary and vital role in supporting the national post-pandemic economic recovery.

The Minister agreed to meet again soon with ATAC to continue these constructive discussions.

The delegation consisted of ATAC Directors Eric Edmondson of Pivot Airlines, Eric Scott of Harbour Air, Peter Scheiwiller of North Cariboo Air, Chris Avery of Canadian North, Bob Connors of Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, and ATAC President John McKenna, Executive Vice President Les Aalders, and Senior Vice President Wayne Gouveia.