Canadians have rallied together in an unprecedented way to fight the common enemy that is COVID-19.
We heeded the calls of elected officials to respect social distancing rules, quarantines, isolations and other directives. Borders were closed and Canadians avoided all travel. Many businesses were shut down entirely. We stayed home and did what was necessary to flatten the curve.
In addition to the human tragedy resulting from the virus, the economic impact has also been unprecedented. Millions have lost their livelihoods. Businesses big and small are struggling to survive, and many will not.
We are now entering a new phase, one in which we must find a responsible way to co-exist with COVID-19 until there is a vaccine. This includes prudently and thoughtfully opening aviation and lifting restrictions to safely resume travel throughout all Provinces of Canada, as well as from select countries.
Other jurisdictions worldwide have introduced targeted measures and “safe” corridors or air bridges to lift travel restrictions and quarantines in a gradual and coordinated manner for regions or countries with infection rates under control. For example, the European Union just published guidelines on how to safely resume travel to the Schengen area. Bio-health and safety guidelines throughout the travel process must be clear and consistent to assure the confidence of travellers.
Last week, over 120 leaders in the Canadian travel, hospitality, and tourism sectors, called on governments to re-open travel as we head into the summer. They asked governments to begin relaxing travel restrictions and quarantine rules in Canada in a safe and targeted manner.
However, air travel is not only important for tourism—it is also critical for the entire Canadian economy. It is a key economic driver; it enhances the performance of local businesses, including many smaller ones that rely on a functioning supply chain. It influences investment decisions and supports the development of our industrial, knowledge-based and creative industries. With the existing restrictions, business travel has been virtually shut down.
As leaders of businesses who employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians, we believe it’s time to re-open our country to air travel in a safe, smart and measured way. Our employees are relying on it, Canadians want it, and the Canadian economy depends on it.
It’s time.
#timetotravel
- Calin Rovinescu
President and CEO
Air Canada - Dave McKay
President and CEO
Royal Bank of Canada - Bruce Flatt
CEO
Brookfield Asset Management - Mirko Bibic
President and CEO
BCE Inc. & Bell Canada - Dawn Farrell
President and CEO
TransAlta - Stephan Crétier
President and CEO
GardaWorld - Geoff Molson
President and CEO
Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club - Linda Hasenfratz
CEO
Linamar Corporation - Anthony von Mandl
CEO
Mark Anthony Group - Ed Sims
President and CEO
WestJet - Brian J. Porter
President and CEO
Scotiabank - Prem Watsa
Chairman and CEO
Fairfax Financial Holdings - Joe Natale
President and CEO
Rogers Communications - Al Monaco
President and CEO
Enbridge Inc. - Robert J. Peabody
President and CEO
Husky Energy - Ellis Jacob
President and CEO
Cineplex Entertainment - John Bianchini
Chairman and CEO
Hatch - Jeffrey Remedios
President and CEO
Universal Music Canada - Robert Deluce
Executive Chairman
Porter Airlines - Don Walker
CEO
Magna International - Jean-Jacques Ruest
President and CEO
Canadian National Railway Co. - Darren Entwistle
President and CEO
TELUS - Marc Parent
President and CEO
CAE Inc. - Michael Friisdahl
President and CEO
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment - Alexandre L’Heureux
President and CEO
WSP Global Inc. - Andrew Lutfy
President and CEO
Carbonleo - Michael Prupas
President and CEO
Muse Entertainment Enterprises Inc.