Ottawa's Plan for Private Airport Investment Likely to Drive up Costs: NDP Leader
Avi Lewis says the plan would hand airport operations to investors for decades, while the government says it would keep ownership and safety oversight.
- On Tuesday, NDP Leader Avi Lewis called the government's plan to allow private investors to bid on operational stakes in Canada's four largest airports "disingenuous," warning it effectively constitutes privatization of public assets.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney pitched the plan at the Canada Investment Summit on September 15, arguing revenue from operational stakes would allow Ottawa to reinvest in smaller regional airports and reduce costs.
- Lewis compared the airport plan to Ontario's Highway 407, noting the province sold a 99-year lease for around $3 billion in 1999; the road is now worth $40 billion, with $25 billion paid in tolls.
- Unifor aviation council chair Tammy Moore warned private operators could squeeze profits through "staffing cuts and fee increases," citing international examples where privatization led to precarious contract employment for airport workers.
- The federal government maintains it will retain land ownership and safety oversight, though NDP transport critic Heather McPherson unsuccessfully sought an emergency debate in the House of Commons on Monday to address concerns.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Ottawa's plan for private airport investment likely to drive up costs: NDP leader
NDP Leader Avi Lewis says it’s “disingenuous” for the government not to use the word privatization to describe its plan to have investors take over operations of Canada’s four biggest airports.
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Ottawa’s plan for private airport investment likely to drive up costs: NDP’s Lewis
OTTAWA — NDP Leader Avi Lewis says it's "disingenuous" of the government to refer to its plan to allow private investors to bid on operational stakes in Canada's four largest airports as anything but privatization. Flanked by his caucus and labour lead...
Ottawa's plan for private airport investment likely to drive up costs: NDP's Lewis
OTTAWA — NDP Leader Avi Lewis says it's "disingenuous" of the government to refer to its plan to allow private investors to bid on operational stakes in Canada's four largest airports as anything but privatization.
NDP opposes privatization of airports at Canada's major airports
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