Since being made aware of the impacts of new anti fatigue regulations implemented by Transport Canada, MLOA along with partners, Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and the Coalition of Northern Air Services & Stakeholders (CNASS) group have been requesting that until more fulsome consultation can be completed with the northern air services sector, northern communities, industry and business, that Transport Canada immediately defer or exempt 703/704 designated air services from duty time regulatory changes which were imposed December 12, 2022.
As Northern Canada struggles with historic level wildfires, soaring costs and declining services for even the most basic necessities, Transport Canada continues to reject industry and community appeals to address regulatory issues affecting essential and emergency services for hundreds of northern communities and businesses.
Numerous warnings have gone unheeded by Transport Canada that, on December 12, 2022, imposed the new regulations on the majority of aircraft operating in northern and remote Canada. Other air service sectors have been wrestling with the new anti fatigue regulations impacting the flying time and duration of flights. The anti-fatigue duty time regulations being phased in since 2020 have generated well documented chaos among major air carriers, airports and, ultimately, passengers and those depending on critical air transport of goods, services and people.
Tourism in every province and territory of Canada is also being affected along with the thousands of people who earn their livelihoods in that sector due to these regulations. “We have been hammered by the pandemic, slammed by increased costs and now these regulations are hitting what is left of our northern and remote tourism sectors,” notes Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association Executive Director, Don Lamont.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is also taking an interest in the issues with the regulations as they are impacting many of their members as well. “These regulations are increasing the need and demand for qualified pilots, which are already in short supply, resulting in grounded fleets,” said Jasmin Guénette, Vice-President of National Affairs. “We encourage the Minister of Transportation to consult with small Canadian air operators who have a lot to say about the impacts these regulations are having on their operations and the communities they serve.”
Read the Press Release, which has been sent to local and national media below:
