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  • Joint Statement from the Urban Chambers of Commerce of New Brunswick on Impending Air Travel Disruptions

    August 13, 2025 – Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John, NB
     
    The Urban Chambers of Commerce of New Brunswick, representing Fredericton, Greater Moncton, and the Saint John Region, are issuing a unified call for immediate action in response to the deepening impasse between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which now threatens widespread flight cancellations and disruptions across the country.
     
    With negotiations stalled and the prospect of a strike looming, our chambers are increasingly alarmed by the potential impact on New Brunswick’s economy, regional connectivity, and national cohesion. The situation now risks paralyzing essential infrastructure at a time when our communities are striving to rebuild national momentum in trade, tourism, and investment.
     
    We reiterate our respect for the rights of workers to seek fair compensation and working conditions. Flight attendants are indispensable to the safety and integrity of Canada’s aviation system. However, the consequences of a prolonged disruption would be severe and far-reaching, affecting small businesses, health care access, academic institutions, and families across our province.
     
    In light of the current stalemate, we strongly encourage the consideration of a third-party arbitrator to help guide both sides toward a fair and timely resolution. Arbitration offers a balanced mechanism to preserve the rights of workers while safeguarding the public interest and economic continuity. It is a proven tool in Canadian labour relations, one that can restore momentum, rebuild trust, and avoid the damaging fallout of prolonged service interruptions.
     
    New Brunswick airports connect our communities to national and global markets, facilitate immigration and talent mobility, and support vital services.
     
    We urge all parties to return to the negotiating table with urgency and a spirit of compromise. If a resolution cannot be reached imminently, we call on the federal government to assist to prevent service suspension and protect the economic stability of our province and country.
     
    A solution must be forged that respects workers, sustains business continuity, and upholds the public interest. The Urban Chambers of New Brunswick stand ready to support dialogue and advocate for a resolution that reflects the values of fairness, resilience, and unity.
     
     
     
    For more information:
     
    Kim Wilson
     
    Chief Executive Officer
     
    Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton
     
    kwilson@ccgm.ca

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    Truth and Reconciliation

    Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect. Learn more click here. 

                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                    

                                                                                 Marcus Gosse (ᒪᕒᐠᑲᐢ ᐧᑲᐢ) is a Newfoundland Mi’kmaq Artist