Proposed Changes to Foreign Ownership Limits for Air Carriers

The Canadian Transportation Agency is an independent federal agency responsible for dispute resolution and economic regulation in the Canadian transportation industry. The Agency, under the authority of the Canada Transportation Act (Act) regulates many sectors of transportation, including air transportation within Canada's borders, and is the licensing authority for publically available air services operating in Canada.

In March 2009, new legislation was introduced through Bill C-10, otherwise known as the Budget Implementation Act, 2009, amending the definition of Canadian in the Act to allow for the increase in foreign ownership in Canadian air carriers by non-Canadians. The amendment allows for an increase in the amount of voting interests owned and controlled by a specified class of non-Canadians, from the existing 25 percent limit, to a percentage that is to be specified in regulations, which in total may not exceed 49 percent.

The Agency, as part of its consultation process, solicited stakeholder comments on proposed regulations to enact new foreign ownership limits for air carriers. A comprehensive review of comments received has been completed. The approach for increasing the foreign ownership limit is now undergoing further assessment. There currently is no scheduled date for the promulgation of proposed foreign ownership regulations.

The Agency will provide further updates, as appropriate. To receive any e-mail updates on this initiative, visit the Mailing List page. Follow the instructions to set up a subscription account and to choose your e-mail update preferences.