Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news for the airline and airports industry, as well as pilots and other aviation-professionals. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-11
End Date: 2025-05-19

Top Headlines

Main Stories

ICAO Finds Russia Responsible for Downing of Flight MH17

Global Affairs Canada issued a statement welcoming the International Civil Aviation Organization Council’s decision, announced May 14, to hold Russia responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014. The ICAO Council determined Russia breached Article 3 bis of the Chicago Convention regarding the use of weapons against civil aircraft. The Council will determine reparations in the coming weeks.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA Shares Guidance for Smoo

CBSA: Financial Security Submission Window for CARM Transition Closing May 20

The Canada Border Services Agency announced that the extension period for submitting financial security under the CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) system ends at 3 am EDT on May 20, 2025. Importers not enrolled in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program before this date will be required to pay all duties and taxes at a CBSA office prior to goods release. The CBSA has installed 117 CARM Client Portal kiosks at commercial sites and published a Customs Notice 25-22 with detailed instructions for the remaining transition. Over 99% of the 29 million shipments each year are processed via RPP, which allows electronic clearance and avoids paper-based payments.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Air Canada Flight Attendants File for Conciliation; Contract Talks Stall

Canada's largest flight attendant union, representing Air Canada cabin crew, filed for conciliation after contract negotiations reached an impasse as of May 14. The union’s decision advances the dispute to government-mediated talks, with outcomes potentially affecting flight operations and staffing in the commercial aviation sector.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

StatsCan: International Air Arrivals Drop 15.2% in April

Statistics Canada reported a 15.2% year-over-year decrease in international arrivals to Canada by air and automobile, totaling 4.5 million in April 2025. This marks the third consecutive monthly decline, reflecting ongoing shifts in travel demand entering the summer travel season.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Publishes Weekly Aircraft Movements Data for April 26–May 2

Statistics Canada released new figures on weekly itinerant aircraft movements covering April 26 to May 2, providing updated operational data for airports and air navigation providers.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canada Pledges Over $40 Million for UN Peace Operations, Continues Tactical Airlift to 2027

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced over $40 million in support for UN peace operations, including ongoing tactical airlift. The commitment continues through 2027 and responds to UN-identified needs.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Air Canada Announces $500 Million Substantial Issuer Bid

Air Canada confirmed the terms of a $500 million substantial issuer bid, disclosing its capital management plan to investors and market regulators.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Union Files for Conciliation in Air Canada Flight Attendant Talks

The union representing Air Canada flight attendants formally requested conciliation, the next phase in collective bargaining after contract talks stalled.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.cbc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Ontario and Manitoba Sign MOU on Interprovincial Trade and Mobility

Ontario and Manitoba premiers signed a memorandum of understanding on May 14 to facilitate greater trade, investment, and labour mobility, including in airport and transportation infrastructure.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Government Promotes Province in Mexico; New WestJet Flight Launches

Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration led a trade mission to Mexico City, coinciding with the new WestJet direct flight from Mexico City to Calgary, aiming to enhance tourism and commercial ties.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

On May 14, MP Dan Albas noted the start of Porter Airlines flights to Kelowna International Airport, citing potential benefits for local travellers and tourism.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• What's going on with air traffic control in the U.S.? Here are the facts: Report examines the status of air traffic control operations and staffing in the United States.
• Chartright Air Group, Bombardier, and Region of Waterloo International Airport Partner to Support Final Production and Certification of Global Aircraft: Aviation firms collaborate at Waterloo to support aircraft certification activities.
• Union representing Air Canada flight attendants files for conciliation amid impasse in contract talks: Coverage on the collective bargaining dispute between Air Canada and flight attendants.
• New Tech Dramatically Reduces Air Traffic Controller Workload, Increases Safety: Overview of recent technology improving air traffic controller operations.