for immediate release
September 15, 2026
The Union of Canadian Transportation Employees (UCTE) is shocked and disappointed about the leaked news that Calgary (YYC) and Vancouver (YVR) airports are included in discussions to open Canada’s major airports to private investment. UCTE represents members at these and several other airports throughout the country.
“We are especially disappointed to hear this information through the media,” says Barry Tchir, UCTE National President. “We have been trying to get a meeting with the Minister for months and are shocked to hear about this proposed sale of these airports in this manner.”
UCTE has been steadfastly opposed to any further privatization of airports. “We have a model that works. Selling a stake in our airports, whether to foreign or domestic investors, is not in the interest of the travelling public,” added Tchir.
The union noted that the existing airport model works for Canadians. It’s a hybrid system: our largest airports are located on federal land and operated by non-profit airport authorities. This structure means that safety and security remain top priorities in airport operations. Surplus revenues go back into traveller safety, efficiency, and security, and into the local community.
“Private investors come in looking for a profit margin and returns. Someone always pays for it,” says Tchir. “Just ask airport workers in the UK or Australia. It can be through degraded service, higher fees, or staffing cuts and deteriorating working conditions for the workers who make the place run. Of course, it is often all of those together.”
The union is still waiting to hear directly from the Minister on these proposed plans that will affect the lives and livelihoods of thousands of airport workers and their communities.
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Kevin Matthews, Communications Officer
Phone: (613) 850-8764
Email: matthek@psac-afpc.com
