Advocacy

Today, Board of Directors President Kent Scales delivered a letter to the Government of Canada expressing concern regarding the pending strike by Air Canada employees and the severe impact it would have on Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry, our businesses, and the travelling public.

September 12, 2024

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Labour and Seniors
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

Dear Ministers,

On behalf of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island (TIAPEI), I am writing to express our deep concern regarding the pending strike by Air Canada employees and the severe impact it would have on Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry, our businesses, and the travelling public.

As an island province, PEI is especially dependent on reliable air access to support our tourism sector, which is a vital contributor to our economy. Air Canada provides an essential service for bringing visitors to our shores, and any disruption in their operations particularly during the busy fall season would cause widespread challenges.

Our tourism industry is facing one of its busiest periods of the year for Meetings & Conventions, leisure travel and events. Hotels, restaurants, events, attractions, and retail businesses have made significant investments and preparations to welcome thousands of visitors. Any disruption in air travel would result in mass cancellations, reduced bookings, and decreased visitor spending, affecting the livelihoods of countless Islanders. Additionally, the broader economic ripple effects would be felt by businesses and workers already struggling to recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic.

Given the critical nature of air travel to PEI, we strongly urge the Government of Canada to encourage all parties involved in the labour negotiations to find a swift and amicable resolution to avoid a strike. The negative impact on both travellers and businesses is simply too great, and we believe that every effort must be made to ensure air services are maintained without interruption.

While we fully respect the rights of Air Canada’s employees to seek fair terms, the unique circumstances facing our province make it imperative that the continuity of air travel be prioritized. A strike at this time would disproportionately harm not only Prince Edward Island but also the many visitors planning to experience what our Island has to offer.

We encourage the federal government to actively support negotiations, mediations, or other conflict resolution mechanisms to ensure that an agreement is reached as soon as possible, thereby minimizing disruption to our economy and travel industry.

We are confident that with the appropriate measures, a resolution can be achieved that benefits both workers and the public. We look forward to your support in ensuring a positive outcome for all parties involved.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue.

Sincerely,

Kent Scales
President, Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island