The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, and Craig Foley, Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, are urging Air Canada and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) to work together to avoid a pilot’s strike.

“We are extremely concerned over the potential strike action by Air Canada pilots. Passengers are already receiving notifications of potential flight cancellations. As one of Canada’s largest airlines, Air Canada transports over 100,000 passengers throughout Canada and around the world every day.

The tourism industry is a critical component of our province’s economy, contributing approximately $1.2 billion annually. Air Canada brings a significant volume of travellers to our province and is a partner we rely on to help boost visitation to Newfoundland and Labrador.

A potential strike could be catastrophic for our concluding summer season and upcoming shoulder season. Tourism operators and small businesses in this province will feel the immediate impact of any disruption in Air Canada operations. Newfoundland and Labrador is already disadvantaged in terms of air access. We cannot sustain further reductions in service.

We urge the Federal Government to do everything in its power to intervene on this matter to prevent the need for strike action. While we respect the collective bargaining process, we cannot sit by and allow this potential strike to negatively impact our province’s economy.”

Minster Crocker and Craig Foley will hold a media availability to discuss this issue at 1:00 p.m. today (September 11) at the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador office (71 Goldstone Street, St. John’s).

-30-