43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJune 23, 2021e-3193e-3193 (Transportation)ScottPettigrewWarrenSteinleyRegina—LewvanConservativeSKFebruary 18, 2021, at 6:23 p.m. (EDT)April 19, 2021, at 6:23 p.m. (EDT)May 10, 2021June 23, 2021April 21, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271245" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas:The Regina International Airport is an important public service and economic driver for the province of Saskatchewan;The air travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors have suffered among the most significant financial losses and business disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic;The Regina International Airport’s air traffic control tower provides high quality jobs at a time of extreme employment uncertainty;Reduced service levels at Regina International Airport would eliminate or severely jeopardize commercial passenger air travel creating significant economic repercussions;Canadian Armed Forces members routinely use the Regina area airspace for high-speed flight training operations;This closure would jeopardize the safety of local airspace, and it is imperative that current safety levels remain intact; andReduced flight availability would directly lead to travel accessibility issues for hundreds of thousands of Canadians who live in the large geographical area serviced by Regina International Airport.We, the undersigned, residents of Saskatchewan, call upon the Minister of Transport to:1. Instruct NAV Canada to immediately cancel their service level review of Regina International Airport’s air traffic control tower; and2. Explicitly oppose any decision or recommendation that advocates for the closure or reduction of service levels at Regina International Airport’s air traffic control tower.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraNAV Canada is a private, arm’s length corporation, mandated to manage Canada’s air navigation services. The Minister cannot unilaterally stop the NAV Canada Corporation from conducting a level of service review without contravening the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act (CANSCA) and the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs):
  • From CANSCA, “the Corporation has the right to plan and manage Canadian airspace and any other airspace in respect of which Canada has responsibility for the provision of air traffic control services, other than airspace under the control of a person acting under the authority of the Minister of National Defence.
  • From CAR 806.02 (1): “Every person who provides a civil air navigation service shall, where the person proposes to terminate the service or to reduce the level of service that is provided, notify the Minister.”
That being said, as safety regulator, Transport Canada will not permit any changes that would introduce unnecessary safety risk into the system. Before undertaking any action, NAV Canada would have to submit aeronautical studies to Transport Canada to identify the risks to aviation safety and how to eliminate or reduce those risks.  The role of the Minister pertaining to the review of service by NAV Canada is toward safety, and to ensure that any proposed changes will not increase unnecessary risk to aviation safety.From CAR 806.02:    
  • On receipt of a notice referred to in subsection (1) from the ANS Corporation, the Minister may request the ANS Corporation to conduct an aeronautical study for the purpose of demonstrating that the risk to aviation safety would not be unacceptably increased by the proposed termination or reduction in the level of service. 
  • Where, after reviewing an aeronautical study conducted pursuant to subsection (2), the Minister is of the opinion that an unacceptable risk to aviation safety would result from the proposed termination or reduction in the level of service, the Minister may, by order, direct the ANS Corporation to maintain its level of service in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the order.
 
Air traffic control and air traffic controllersAirportsRegina International Airport
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 10, 2021e-3133e-3133 (Transportation)HazelBishopScottSimmsCoast of Bays—Central—Notre DameLiberalNLFebruary 1, 2021, at 9:52 a.m. (EDT)March 3, 2021, at 9:52 a.m. (EDT)March 25, 2021May 10, 2021March 3, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions have had a devastating impact on air service across Canada; and caused airlines to suspend routes and reduced capacity at airports all across the country;The Gander International Airport located in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador has no daily national air service after Air Canada suspended all passenger operations;This loss of air service has catastrophic consequences to businesses, residents and families in Central Newfoundland;Economic growth and quality of life are dependent on air service connectivity; andWithout immediate government support of this ailing sector, Central Newfoundland will continue to be disadvantaged, with a protracted wait for recovery.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada; electors of the electoral district of Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame; province of Newfoundland and Labrador; and residents of the town of Gander, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1) Provide meaningful financial assistance to Canada’s beleaguered airlines, contingent on re-establishing national air service to airports abandoned during the pandemic, including Gander International Airport; and 2) Ensure airline re-connectivity to mainland Canada due to the economic impact to the area served by Gander International Airport.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe government is mindful of the devastating impacts of COVID-19 on the Canadian air sector and Transport Canada is committed in its efforts to support Canadians throughout the country, and that includes continuing to work with air sector partners to enable recovery of this crucially important sector. As first indicated in a statement by the Minister of Transport on November 8, 2020, the government committed to undertaking a process with major Canadian airlines regarding financial assistance, but any assistance would be contingent on securing important results for Canadians. This includes securing refunds for cancelled flights and ensuring that Canadians and regional communities retain air connections to the rest of Canada. This effort was reiterated in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, which also included the announcement of a series of supports for airport operators and regional air transportation.An agreement regarding financial assistance with Air Canada was announced on April 12, 2021, and it is a key milestone in ensuring the existence of a robust Canadian air transport sector that connects Canadian communities. As a result of this agreement, access to Air Canada’s network will be restored to all regional communities where service was suspended due to COVID-19, including Gander. Transport Canada’s engagement with other individual air carriers continues and we look forward to finalizing assistance details with similar requirements in the near future.In March of 2021, WestJet announced their intentions to begin restoring service to Atlantic Canada. The Government anticipates that connectivity will increase as vaccination efforts progress resulting in a reduction of travel restrictions and more financial assistance negotiations with air carriers are finalized. The Government remains committed to ensuring that Canadians and regional communities retain air connections to the rest of Canada, as we recognize that regional connectivity is important to Canadians travelling now and in the future. 
AirlinesAirportsCOVID-19Government assistancePandemic
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 6, 2021e-2999e-2999 (Transportation)BillPowellHon.MikeLakeEdmonton—WetaskiwinConservativeABFebruary 2, 2021, at 10:53 a.m. (EDT)March 4, 2021, at 10:53 a.m. (EDT)March 23, 2021May 6, 2021March 5, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="214333" mp-riding-display="1">Minister of Transport</Addressee>Whereas: Many Canadian airports are named after politicians. In Edmonton, however, an opportunity exists to rename the international airport in recognition of a Canadian aviation pioneer; Maxwell William Ward began his aviation career in the RCAF, training pilots during World War II; After the war, he went on to fly bush planes in Canada's far north, demonstrating his lifelong love of flying, adventure, enterprise, and the Arctic, and contributed to mapping the Canadian north; In 1953, he established Wardair and grew the company into one of Canada's largest scheduled carriers with a route network that provided his airline’s signature “Wardair Class” service to leisure and business travellers alike; Max Ward was recognized with the Order of Canada, the Alberta Order of Excellence, the Order of Polaris and the Order of Icarus, and seven honorary degrees from Canadian Universities;He was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and was one of the original inductees into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame; Max’s persistence, mechanical mind, affability, respect for others, and his dedication to service, defined his business and personal interests; Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a revered leader to his legion of loyal employees; and Sadly, Max passed away on November 2, 2020 in Edmonton. He was 98. We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Minister of Transport to request that the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority board considers renaming the city’s international gateway to Edmonton Max Ward International Airport (colloquially, Edmonton-Ward International), in honour of a truly remarkable Canadian, Albertan and Edmontonian..
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Edmonton Regional Airport is the property of the federal Crown, but it is leased to the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority.   Although the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority is responsible for the management, operation and development of the Airport, any changes to the name of the Airport cannot be made without the Minister of Transport’s consent.  In addition, in accordance with the Government of Canada’s Policy on Naming Government of Canada Structures, final approval of any change to the naming of an airport rests with the Minister of Public Services & Procurement.  Transport Canada’s policy is to name federally-owned airports after the principal geographic area the airport serves.  However, under special circumstances, the name of an airport may be changed to honour a great Canadian.Transport Canada has an established process for considering formal requests to rename an airport. This includes reviewing the merits and significance of the proposed name change.This petition to rename the Airport will be reviewed by Transport Canada in accordance with this process.
AirportsEdmontonWard, Maxwell (Max) William
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 12, 2021e-3057e-3057 (Transportation)KathleenYurchesynJaimeBattisteSydney—VictoriaLiberalNSDecember 21, 2020, at 11:13 a.m. (EDT)January 20, 2021, at 11:13 a.m. (EDT)February 18, 2021April 12, 2021January 26, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Government of Canada</Addressee>Whereas:The COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions have had a devastating impact on air service across Canada;This has caused airlines to suspend routes and reduced capacity at airports all across the country;Due to these suspensions, the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, has lost all commercial air service indefinitely, which has resulted in job loss and has severed air accessibility to our island;This loss of air service has direct catastrophic consequences to our post-secondary institution, tourism sector, business community, rotational workers, etc., by preventing us from sustaining our current economy and achieving any level of economic growth in our region as every aspect of our economy depends on air service connectivity;This situation is unprecedented, and the entire economy of our region is at stake; andWithout immediate government action and intervention, it will take years, if not decades, to rebuild this lost air access and debilitate our ability to grow economically as a region.We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to provide financial support to our air industry so that the national air carriers can then re-establish commercial air service to airports including the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada understands the needs and deep challenges faced by Canadian airports and the air transport industry in general right now, including J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport located in Sydney, Nova Scotia.Transport Canada has been working with a range of air industry participants, the organizations that represent them, and other government departments to analyze the current situation and develop appropriate options to support Canada’s air transport sector generally, and ensure that Canadians have the services they need at a reasonable cost.Through the Fall Economic Statement, the Government announced $1.1 billion in financial support for the air sector through a series of targeted measures designed to support regional connectivity, critical infrastructure investments, and the continued operation of Canada’s airports.The Government of Canada is engaging with Canada’s major air carriers regarding potential options for financial assistance. Any assistance the Government of Canada provides will come with strict conditions to protect Canadians and the public interest.The Government will also ensure Canadians and regional communities retain air connections to the rest of Canada, as we recognize that regional connectivity is important to Canadians travelling now and in the future.In addition, as stated in the Speech from the Throne, the Government will work to support regional routes for airlines to ensure that Canadians have reliable and affordable regional air services to support equity, jobs and economic development.The Government understands that financial supports need to align with plans for a safe restart and recovery and will continue engagement with stakeholders to ensure alignment of our efforts.
AirportsCOVID-19Government assistancePandemic
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 22, 2021e-3003e-3003 (Transportation)KarenMcKenzieJamesBezanSelkirk—Interlake—EastmanConservativeMBNovember 26, 2020, at 4:15 p.m. (EDT)January 25, 2021, at 4:15 p.m. (EDT)February 4, 2021March 22, 2021January 27, 2021Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The Government of Canada transferred ownership of St. Andrews Airport to the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews, Manitoba, in 1999;The Airport is operated by St. Andrews Airport Inc., a not-for-profit corporation controlled by the Rural Municipality;In 2020, MPR Raceway (privately owned) constructed and operated a racetrack/dragstrip on a decommissioned runway under a five-year lease with St. Andrews Airport Inc.;A racetrack is neither a permitted nor a conditional use on airport lands under the Rural Municipality's Zoning By-Law No. 4066;St. Andrews Airport Inc. has stated that the Rural Municipality has no jurisdiction over land use on airport lands and By-Law No. 4066 does not apply;Transport Canada regulations govern airport operations integral to aeronautics;A racetrack is not integral to aeronautics;The racetrack is in close proximity to residential neighbourhoods and property owners have been negatively impacted by noise, vibrations and odours;There was no public consultation before the racetrack/dragstrip was constructed;St. Andrews citizens petitioned the Rural Municipality Council to stop the racetrack operation as it contravenes the Zoning By-Law; and,The Rural Municipality Council has taken no action.We, the undersigned, citizens or residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to request that the Minister of Transport provide clarification to the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews and St. Andrews Airport Inc. on what activities are allowable inside the airport's property, as it applies to operations of an aerodrome according to federal law, and whether activities falling outside federal jurisdiction are required to meet provincial regulations and municipal by-laws.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada has exclusive jurisdiction over aeronautics and has established a legal framework through the Aeronautics Act. This means that only the Government of Canada can directly regulate matters related to aeronautics.The Aeronautics Act establishes a legal framework for the regulation and supervision of all matters connected to aeronautics including the location, design, certification, registration, licensing and operation of aerodromes and airports, whether they are located on public lands (federal, provincial, or municipal) or privately owned lands.An otherwise valid provincial or municipal law of general application affecting an airport could be a valid exercise of provincial/municipal jurisdiction, provided that it is not concerned with aeronautics. However, such a law cannot be applied in a manner where it would “impair the core” of the federal power. For example, because the location of airports is an essential part of the federal aeronautics power, municipal laws cannot apply in a way that would restrict where airports can be built.Where there is a conflict between an otherwise valid provincial or municipal law and federal one, the federal law will prevail to the extent of the conflict. A conflict occurs if it is impossible to comply with both federal and provincial laws at once, for example where a province forbids something required by a federal law. A conflict will also be found to exist if the operation of the provincial law would frustrate the purpose of the federal law.In the case of the St. Andrews’ Airport, the runway in question is closed for aviation purposes and is marked as such. It is not uncommon for airport operators to lease their land for non-aviation-related purposes. The issue regarding racing at the airport is not an aviation activity that falls to the Minister of Transport to administer. As such, provided the racing activities are not being conducted in a manner that negatively impacts aviation safety or security, it could coexist with the aeronautical activities at the airport.Transport Canada developed Land Use Planning in the Vicinity of Aerodromes (TP 1247) to assist planners and legislators at all levels of government in becoming familiar with issues related to land use in the vicinity of aerodromes, which can be found at: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/aviation-land-use-vicinity-aerodromes-tp-1247. .
AirportsLand managementSt. Andrews