May 9, 2016
Government of Manitoba Opposes Bill C-10, an Act to Amend the Air Canada Public Participation Act and to Provide for Certain Other Measures
Earlier today, Deputy Premier Heather Stefanson presented to the federal Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to reiterate the Manitoba government’s opposition to Bill C-10, the Air Canada Public Participation Act.
“There are significant implications to moving forward with Bill C-10 without further dialogue and consideration,” said the deputy premier. “The Government of Manitoba is requesting specific commitments from our partners in the federal government to ensure the proposed changes to the Air Canada Public Participation Act will provide a net benefit in terms of investment and job creation for Manitoba’s aerospace industry.”
In February 2016, the previous government wrote the federal government requesting that amendments to the Air Canada Public Participation Act be limited to expanding the geographical scope of Air Canada’s commitments within Manitoba. The proposed amendments go significantly further than the geographical scope.
“Manitoba’s interests are clear – economic growth, high-quality jobs, and a strong and competitive aerospace industry,” said Stefanson. “The responsibility of our new government is to ensure Manitoba’s aerospace industry emerges strengthened, not weakened, by this legislation.”
Manitoba is home to a world-class aerospace industry that directly employs approximately 5,400 individuals and many more in related sectors, she noted.
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