Advocacy

August 15, 2025

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Jobs and Families & Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

RE: Urgent Call for Federal Action to Avert Disruption in Air Canada Service During Peak Tourism Season

Dear Ministers Freeland and Hajdu,

On behalf of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI), I am writing to express our deep concern regarding the impending labour disruption involving Air Canada’s flight attendants and the serious threat it poses to our tourism industry during its most critical season.

As the national carrier, Air Canada provides essential connectivity to Prince Edward Island, especially during the summer months when our industry is at its peak. A strike or significant service interruption at this time would not only derail travel plans for thousands of visitors but would also inflict substantial economic damage on small businesses and communities that rely heavily on seasonal tourism.

Air access is a lifeline for PEI’s visitor economy. With limited alternative travel options, especially for international guests, any disruption would result in immediate cancellations, lost revenue, and long-term reputational harm to our province and to Canada as a dependable travel destination.

The tourism industry in PEI, like many region across the country, is still in recovery mode following years of pandemic-related challenges. The possibility of widespread flight cancellations in mid-August, when many operators generate the majority of their annual revenue, would have catastrophic consequences.

We echo the national call from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) urging the federal government to act decisively by referring this dispute to binding arbitration under the Canada Labour Code. Swift intervention is necessary to avoid irreversible economic loss and to protect the public interest.

We fully respect the collective bargaining process, but the stakes in this case extend far beyond a single employer or workforce. National and regional economies, small businesses, and millions of tourism-dependent jobs are on the line. The federal government must act now to ensure certainty and continuity in our travel system.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Corryn Clemence
CEO
Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI)

CC:

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry

The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality & Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour)