Surrey-White Rock Board of Trade warns Air Canada strike could disrupt tourism, supply chains, and businesses, calling for urgent federal intervention
Local Business Leaders Warn of Strike Fallout
The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade is calling for urgent action to prevent a looming Air Canada strike, echoing the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s concerns. The appeal comes as Canada’s largest airline begins cancelling flights, with up to 500 expected to be scrapped by the end of Friday, August 15. The cancellations could affect thousands of travellers daily at the height of the summer travel season.
Disruptions Set to Begin This Weekend
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 10,000 flight attendants at Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, issued a 72-hour strike notice late Wednesday, August 13. Strike action is expected to begin Saturday, August 16. Air Canada says it has started a phased wind-down of most operations over the next two days to give customers certainty, advising passengers travelling between August 15–18 to make alternate arrangements.
Tourism and Trade at Risk
In a statement, the Board of Trade stressed that air travel is more than moving passengers — it is a lifeline for business, supply chains, and the workforce. “A strike during peak summer travel would slow the movement of goods domestically and internationally, disrupt tourism, and cause immediate harm to businesses already navigating economic challenges,” the release said.
Call for Federal Government Preparedness
While expressing respect for the collective bargaining process, the Board urged Ottawa to be ready to intervene if negotiations fail. “Swift action will protect all Canadians, businesses and communities from even more economic hardship,” the statement continued. It linked to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s similar appeal, which highlighted that more than 130,000 people fly with Air Canada daily for personal, business, and tourism purposes.
Next Steps in the Dispute
With negotiations ongoing, both the Board of Trade and national business leaders are pressing for an agreement without delay. The situation remains fluid, with potential economic and logistical impacts extending well beyond the airline industry if a resolution is not reached in the coming days.
