Mark Carney Proposes Partial Privatization of Major Canadian Airports

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a plan to partially privatize Canada's four largest airports, proposing a model where private investors manage operations for set lease periods. Under this proposal, the federal government would retain overall ownership and oversight of the facilities.

The Canadian government cited the privatization of Australian airports between 1997 and 2003 as a successful model, noting that the move led to improved passenger services and significant capital investment. However, data from Australia's competition watchdog shows that its four largest airports increased carrier fees by 81 percent in the decade before 2015, costs that were often passed to customers.

Jeff Morrison, CEO of the National Airlines Council of Canada, responded to the proposal by stating that any privatization plan must ensure traveller costs remain affordable. The Treasury Board of Canada is the federal authority seeking to implement these operational changes while maintaining state ownership.