Mark Carney Rejects Billy Bishop Jet Expansion but Leaves Door Open

Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed the federal government's decision to halt plans to expand runways at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, though he declined to rule out the future introduction of commuter jets. During a press conference in Scarborough where he announced $2.7 billion in federal funding for 18 rental housing projects in Toronto, Carney stated that "forever is a long time."

Federal Transportation Minister Steven MacKinnon officially rejected a proposal from Ontario Premier Doug Ford to expand the airport on July 24. The decision followed a Transport Canada consultation process in which 87% of 87,000 respondents opposed the move. Carney denied allegations of a "handshake deal" that would have traded federal support for the airport expansion for provincial support of the Alto high-speed rail project.

While the federal government is conducting a feasibility study on the expansion due this fall, current transportation priorities focus on expanding Pearson International Airport and the Alto high-speed rail line connecting Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. The situation has created political friction, as Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow opposes the expansion while Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria continues to advocate for the airport's modernization.