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Air Transportation

During question period on air transportation, Heather McPherson of the NDP raised the Ontario government’s legislation expanding the Billy Bishop airport on Toronto’s waterfront, saying local communities, workers and public health experts had concerns and that the federal government should stop the plan rather than sell airports to private companies. Liberal minister Steven MacKinnon replied that the government would consider the views of people in the Greater Toronto Area and across Canada before making any changes to the waterfront or the airport.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

2 statements

Heather McPherson

NDP
“The Ontario government is expanding the Billy Bishop airport against the wishes of the local community. The federal government should stop this plan instead of trying to sell off airports to private companies.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, today, despite serious concerns raised by local communities, workers and public health experts about the future of Toronto’s waterfront, Ontario’s Conservative government forced through legislation to control and expand the Billy Bishop airport. Canada’s airports are critical public infrastructure built through public investment. There, and in airports across the country, the federal government has a responsibility to put public interest ahead of corporate profits. It should be stopping Doug Ford’s scheme. Why is it instead pushing its own sell-off plans for airports across this country?

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Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“We will listen to people in the Toronto area and across Canada before we make any changes to the waterfront or the Billy Bishop airport.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 46 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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  • Government answer in Question Period

    Clarity 19 of 100

    Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we will, of course, consider the views of all of the people in the GTA, indeed all Canadians, as we contemplate changes, if required, in the waterfront or at Billy Bishop airport. We will continue to listen to all of the heartfelt views of people who live along the harbour front, live in the GTA proper and deserve the best possible air service that can be provided to them.

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