IAM Union Responds to Federal Airport Privatization Plans
September 15 – Toronto, Canada: The privatization of Canada’s airports has been discussed for years, and the IAM Union has consistently opposed the idea. We have been raising concerns about the potential consequences for airport workers, passengers and the Canadian aviation industry, and we will continue to fight against a model that puts private profit ahead of the public interest.
At the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government will seek private investment through long-term concessions to operate Canada’s four largest airports: Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, Montréal-Trudeau and Calgary International.
According to the Prime Minister, the government will retain ownership of the land and assets while bringing private capital and expertise into airport operations and growth. He said the government expects to raise tens of billions of dollars through these arrangements and reinvest the money into regional airports, transportation infrastructure and other nation-building projects.
While the government presents this to attract investment and improve Canada’s aviation infrastructure, the IAM Union remains deeply concerned about what this means for workers and passengers.
Private investors are not entering the airport system simply to provide capital. They are investing to generate a return. This creates serious concerns about increased fees, cost-cutting and pressure on wages, staffing and working conditions. Ultimately, those costs can be passed on to passengers.
IAM Canadian General Vice-President David Chartrand has repeatedly warned about these risks, emphasizing that airport privatization could lead to higher costs and reduced accessibility while putting pressure on the workers who keep Canada’s aviation system running.; saying “Airports are essential infrastructure, not profit-making enterprises. Privatization puts the interests of investors ahead of workers, passengers and the communities these airports serve.” Read more about the dangers of privatization here.
The government’s announcement also raises concerns about the role of workers in the process. While the government says it will work with airport authorities and other stakeholders, including airlines and local governments, there was no specific commitment to consultation with workers or unions and no details were provided regarding job security or labour protections.
This is particularly concerning for the IAM, which represents thousands of workers across Canada’s aviation sector.
The IAM has been actively raising these concerns with federal decision-makers. During the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Lobby Day back in November 2025, more than 70 IAM representatives met with Members of Parliament and discussed the dangers of airport privatization and its potential impact on workers and the travelling public.
The IAM has been clear: Canada needs investment in its airports, but that investment should strengthen public infrastructure, good jobs and affordable air travel, not create another opportunity for private investors to profit from essential services.
Our airports are critical to Canada’s economy and communities. They should be operated in the public interest, with workers and passengers at the centre of the conversation.
The IAM Union will continue to oppose airport privatization and advocate for a strong, safe and accessible Canadian aviation system.
2.Learn more about the dangers of privatization: Read more about the IAM’s concerns and our work to stop airport privatization in our presentation.
3.Read the full Canada Investment Summit Announcement: The first Canada Investment Summit unleashes nearly $500 billion of new investment in Canada | Prime Minister of Canada
Media Contacts:
Michel Richer – Quebec Coordinator:mricher@iamaw.org
Guillaume Valois- Communicator: g.valois@aimta712.org
