Ottawa, Ontario, March 15, 2012—Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labour Minister, announced that Bill C-33, entitled “An Act to provide for the continuation and resumption of air service operations,” was passed in the Senate. The bill puts an end to labour disputes between Air Canada and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), and Air Canada and the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA).
“Our government’s top priority is economic recovery and growth,” said Minister Raitt. “We simply cannot afford to have flights grounded as this would translate into lost opportunities for Canadian businesses and stranded travellers.”
Bill C-33 passed the House of Commons on March 14, 2012, and could come into effect after receiving Royal Assent. The legislation will ensure continuing air services and send all unresolved issues to binding arbitration.
“Our government took swift action to ensure that Canada’s economy isn’t negatively affected and that Canadians across the country who rely on air services are not unduly impacted,” said Minister Raitt. “Canadians gave our government a strong mandate to focus on the economy and that is what we are doing.”
The IAMAW represents a unit of approximately 8 200 employees engaged in technical, maintenance and operational support functions, whose current collective agreement expired on March 31, 2011. As for the ACPA, it represents 3 000 pilots, whose current collective agreement also expiredMarch 31, 2011.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Ashley Kelahear
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
