Canadian Consumers Support More Competition from International Air Carriers

Lower travel costs and better travel options expected

OTTAWA, April 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Frustrated by years of foot-dragging by successive governments in opening Canada's aviation market to foreign competition, the Consumers' Association of Canada (CAC) released polling information today that shows Canadians are strongly in favour of more access for international carriers.

"For years we have been telling the Federal Government that consumers support greater competition for their travel dollar.  We hope that this polling data gives those within Government who support free markets and open competition the resolve they need to bring about real change in Canada's aviation market," stated Bruce Cran, President.

The poll found that Canadian consumers are strong believers in the merits of a more liberalized approach to aviation.

• 77% agreed with the statement that allowing more foreign airlines to fly to Canada will lead to more competition for their travel dollar, with only 6% disagreeing.
• 77% agreed with the statement that allowing more foreign airlines to fly to Canada will lead to better travel options for consumers, with only 10% disagreeing.
• 69% agreed with the statement that allowing more foreign airlines to fly to Canada will lead to lower travel costs, with only 12% disagreeing.

"Canada has one of the most protected aviation markets in the world, with foreign carriers routinely denied the right to operate here.  That is bad economic policy that harms consumers and protects dominant players in the market.  Consumers want choice and competition for their travel dollar," stated Cran.

The polling revealed strong consumer support for increased competition:

• 72% of Canadians would like to see more direct service to international destinations from Canadian airports, with only 4% opposed.
• 61% of Canadians believe foreign airlines should be allowed to compete with Canadian airlines for their business, with only 20% opposed.
• 60% of Canadians believe foreign airlines should be allowed to increase their service to Canada, with only 14% opposed.

"The CAC will use this public opinion data to renew our call for Canada to adopt a dramatically different approach to international aviation.  Current policy has protected vested interests and failed consumers.  It is time to open Canada's skies and welcome foreign carriers into this market to compete for the business of Canadian travellers," added Cran.

The polling was conducted between January 31 and February 4, 2013 by Harris/Decima and involved telephone interviews with 1,015 Canadians.  The results are available on the CAC's website at www.consumer.ca.

SOURCE: Consumers' Association of Canada

Bruce Cran, President
Consumers' Association of Canada
[phone]