Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation & Hospitality NL

August 13, 2025

The Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, and Craig Foley, Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, are urging Air Canada and CUPE, representing Air Canada flight attendants, to continue to work together to avoid a strike. Minister Hutton and Mr. Foley are also calling for assistance from the Federal Government on the matter.

“The potential Air Canada flight attendant strike is extremely concerning for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. At this point, flight cancelations may begin as early as Friday, August 15.

The tourism and hospitality industry is critical to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, contributing approximately $1.4 billion annually. Air Canada accounts for approximately 50 per cent of the province’s air access capacity at 6,000 seats per day in and out of Newfoundland and Labrador, making it the air carrier with the largest share of our market.

A strike would impact thousands of residents in this province who have upcoming travel plans, and could be catastrophic for our tourism industry during this summer season and, potentially, the upcoming shoulder season. Tourism operators and small businesses in this province, some of whom are already impacted by the wildfires, will feel the immediate impact of any disruption to Air Canada operations. Regional markets like Newfoundland and Labrador are already challenged in terms of air access. We cannot sustain further reductions in service.

While we absolutely respect the collective bargaining process, we cannot sit by and see this potential strike bring further economic hardship to our people and industry. Together, we urge both sides to find a quick resolution. We also call on the Federal Government to do everything in its power to prevent the need for strike action.”

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