The Capital Regional District is supporting Saanich Coun. Judy Brownoff’s resolution to resist the privatization of public airports in Canada.
Brownoff, a CRD director, submitted a resolution that asks the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to call on the federal government to not proceed with the potential privatization of Canadian airports in the upcoming federal budget.
Brownoff’s resolution to oppose the privatization of airports, including the potential sale of the Victoria Airport, was passed unanimously by the CRD board on Feb. 22.
Brownoff brought the resolution to the board as she is highly concerned regarding the federal government’s rhetoric around privatization of airports.
“The federal government is looking for quick cash,” she said.
“I believe local governments need to be in front of this issue early, through our national voice, FCM, before we get a surprise.”
Brownoff voiced concern over the potential increase in costs for the traveling public and the impact such a decision could have for tourism destinations like the CRD.
Recent reports suggest the government is actively considering the privatization of Canada’s airports to achieve a one-time financial windfall and that a plan may be formalized in the upcoming federal budget.
“Are there airports that have excessive lands, kind of like when the province sold off publicly owned school lands for quick cash?” Brownoff asked. “Is it something else? There are too many unknowns, and in Australia and the U.K. passenger services were impacted and costs went up.”
In a country as vast and as sparsely populated as Canada, safe and efficient air transportation is essential to connecting families, communities and to the continued economic prosperity of our country, Brownoff added.