Mike Mueller, senior vice-president of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, said Canadian businesses in the civil, defence and aerospace sectors have lost over 40 per cent of their revenue due to reduced international travel caused by COVID-19. Almost all companies are reporting various levels of shutdowns, and more than 50 per cent have laid off employees, he said.
„While the government’s emergency measures have been appreciated and helpful — they’re just not enough,” said Mueller.
Mueller warned that Canadian companies would struggle to compete in the future with businesses from countries like France, the U.S., and Germany, which he says have spent billions of dollars on bailouts for airlines and related companies.
Rob Giguere, chief executive officer of the Air Canada Pilots Association, said his union represents 700 fewer active pilots than it did before the pandemic due to furloughs, layoffs or early retirements. Those who are still flying are taking home an average of 65 per cent of their salary, he said, while Air Canada is burning through almost $15 million each day.
Representatives for air traffic controllers and machinists also expressed serious concerns.
A spokesperson for Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said the government is committed to supporting Canadian airlines and workers.
Kat Cuplinskas said the sector had received over $1.5 billion through the Canada emergency wage subsidy. The federal government also announced $1 billion in support for airports and smaller airlines in its fall economic update. Any further support, she said, would be dependent on the airlines refunding cancelled flights, restoring regional routes that were cut to reduce costs and protecting jobs across the sector.
