Organization Expresses Continuing Concern

Tim Perry, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) Canada, issued a statement following the federal government’s latest announcement to ease certain travel restrictions, including allowing fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents to arrive in Canada without entering quarantine, starting July 5, 2021.

“Today’s announcement, while definitely a step forward, is not the comprehensive restart plan that Canada needs or that the world’s community of experts is calling for. This half-measure leaves Canadians with unanswered questions and our air travel industry lagging behind other leading nations. As vaccination rates continue to rise, the time is now to unveil a full, safe, and effective restart plan for Canada’s travel and tourism sectors consistent with the recent recommendations of the COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, ALPA Canada has identified and promoted science-based recommendations, established by experts at home and around the world, that will allow for a safe and smooth transition for air travel as demand increases in the months ahead. We know that meaningful steps can be taken toward supporting a robust reopening of air travel, while always keeping the safety of Canadians at the forefront.

“While aviation industry experts, including those at ALPA Canada, expect it will be several more weeks or even months before restrictions will be fully lifted, we are forced to once again reiterate our call for clarity and sufficient time to ensure the successful recall and retraining of tens of thousands of employees, including airline pilots. Providing ample time for a smooth transition will lead to the safest and most successful return to air travel as passenger loads return to pre-pandemic levels.”

FMI: www.alpa.org