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Growing concern over the potential privatization of Canada’s airports.

Sabiha Khan

Picture credit : IAM Canada

On behalf of Dave Flowers, President and Directing Chairperson of IAM District 140, we would like to share information regarding growing concerns over the potential privatization of Canada’s airports.

While no announcement has been confirmed at this time, the threat of airport privatization is very real. We encourage our members to read the message below, stay informed and understand what is at stake for Canadians and our public assets. Now is the time to speak up and stand together!

There is increasing concern that the Government of Canada may announce changes to the ownership structure of major Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson (YYZ), as early as September 16, 2026. Although GTAA contacts have not confirmed such plans, the possibility of privatization is being taken seriously.

Key Developments

  • The November 2025 federal budget indicated that the government was exploring ways to unlock the value of airports, including through alternative ownership models.
  • The April 2026 Spring Economic Update reaffirmed the government’s interest in examining alternative ownership approaches for federally owned airports.
  • Bill C-30, passed in June 2026, grants the federal government authority to collect information from airport operators to assess airport value, ownership structures, and development potential within Canada’s air transportation system.
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Canada Investment Summit, scheduled for September 14–15, is expected to bring together major global investors, leading to speculation that airport privatization may be discussed.

Why This Matters

  • Canada’s airports were developed through significant public investment and are intended to serve the public interest. A shift toward private or investment-fund ownership could place greater emphasis on investor returns rather than public service objectives.Given these concerns, stakeholders are being encouraged to raise awareness and advocate for maintaining airports as public assets before any formal announcement is made.

Taking Action:

Online Town Hall: We would like to arrange an online town hall to discuss the threat of privatization, the petitions and how we can make an impact. The link below can be used to access the meeting,*** please share with shop committee members, eboards, stewards and active members. ***

Paper Petitions: After the meeting on September 2nd 2026, paper petition will be supplied that can be printed, filled up and collected. Collected forms can be returned to the central District 140 office to be stored until we have enough to present to the House of Commons.  

House of Commons Petition: We also have the online petition, please share and encourage members and other airport workers to sign: Petition e-7453 – Petitions .  

Postcard Flyers: Postcards with a brief explanation of the issues and a QR code linked to the petition will also be supplied at the conclusion the September 2nd 2026 meeting. These can be printed at a local shop/office for distribution.

We are encouraging all to join and participate.

Online Town Hall

Date: Wednesday, September 2nd 2026

Time: 2pm Est- 2:45pm Est

Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/243982134802277?p=BTYK2PYITXtPLWXTLb

Let’s work together to pushback on this privatization agenda.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/243982134802277?p=BTYK2PYITXtPLWXTLb

Meeting ID: 243 982 134 802 277

Passcode: 7Zz2u8zm