‘Ill-considered:’ Economic Development Regina CEO reacts to Air Canada decision

Passengers aren’t the only ones complaining about Air Canada’s decision to stop flying from Saskatchewan cities to Calgary.

In a letter Wednesday to Air Canada brass, Economic Development Regina president and CEO Chris Lane raised the organization’s concerns about the move.

“A competitive city needs to be a connected city and so anything that reduces service between Regina and the rest of the country and the rest of the world is concerning,” Lane said. “Our ask is that Air Canada takes a look at what’s happening in Regina and what’s predicted to happen in terms of people and economic growth and have another look at the decision.”

The airline is eliminating flights from Regina and Saskatoon to Calgary starting Jan. 16, as it has decided to focus on its main hubs of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. For Regina and Saskatoon, Air Canada flights to and from Toronto and Vancouver will continue.

Lane said Regina’s projected economic and population growth numbers are similar to those of Calgary and of Saskatoon.

“Regina is predicted to be one of the fastest growing economies and cities in the country over the next few years. We are seeing billions of dollars in investment locally but also from international companies in our agriculture and food processing and manufacturing sector,” Lane said.

Lane pointed to the major companies that call Regina home — including Viterra, Farm Credit Canada, Brandt, AGT Foods, and The Mosaic Company — and the investment they’re making in the city. As well, he mentioned Canadian Western Agribition and Canada’s Farm Show and the international visitors those shows attract to Regina.

The provincial government also weighed in, with Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison issuing a statement.

“We are disappointed, but not surprised, that Air Canada has cut direct flights from Regina and Saskatoon to Calgary given that the airline is reducing the size of their Calgary hub and has cut many flights to other Alberta and B.C. communities,” Harrison wrote.

“The Government of Saskatchewan will continue to work with local airport authorities to attract, retain and expand direct air service routes to and from our province.”