A new national poll shows mixed public opinion on the federal government’s proposal to bring private operators into the management of Canada’s largest airports, with a significant share of Canadians still unsure about the idea.
The Leger poll, conducted from September 19 to 21 among 1,533 Canadians, found that 43% support having private operators manage the airports in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver, while 31% oppose the proposal. Another 27% said they were unsure or did not know. Because the survey was conducted online, it does not have a conventional margin of error.
The proposal was raised by Prime Minister Mark Carney during an investment summit in Toronto, where he said the government was seeking private investment to take over operations of the country’s four largest airports.
The polling results indicate that the proposal has attracted support from a portion of the population, while opposition remains substantial and many Canadians have yet to form an opinion.
Regional differences also emerged. Respondents in Quebec were among the most supportive, while those in Saskatchewan and Manitoba were among the most likely to oppose the proposal.
The issue is part of a broader discussion about how Canada’s major airports should be operated and financed. Supporters of private participation have pointed to the potential for additional investment and infrastructure improvements, while critics have raised questions about public oversight, costs and the role of private interests in essential transportation infrastructure.
Canada’s four largest airports serve millions of passengers and play a major role in international trade, tourism and domestic transportation. Any change to their operating structure could therefore have significant implications for travelers and the broader Canadian economy.
For now, the poll suggests that while private airport operations have a notable level of public support, there is no clear consensus, with more than one-quarter of Canadians still undecided.
The federal government will face continued scrutiny as it develops the proposal and seeks to determine how private investment could be incorporated into the management of Canada’s major airports.
Swifteradio.com
