ACPA Media Releases

Media Statement: Continued support for the WestJet pilot group
May 16, 202316 May 2023
First Officer Charlene Hudy, Air Canada pilots MEC Chair, on Air Canada pilots continued support for the WestJet pilot group...
Press Release: Air Canada Pilots Vote to Merge with ALPA
May 1, 20231 May 2023
ACPA and ALPA released the following joint statement after Air Canada pilots voted in favour of merging with ALPA…
Press Release: Statement on Potential Merger Between Air Canada Pilots Association and the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l
March 14, 202314 March 2023
ACPA and the Airline Pilots' Association (ALPA) have issued a joint statement about an agreement in principle (AIP) reached regarding a potential merger...
Press Release: Air Canada Pilots Association Welcomes New Acting Chief Executive Officer
February 1, 20231 February 2023
ACPA MEC Chair, First Officer Charlene Hudy, announces the appointment of Natalie Wiley as Acting CEO…
Press Release: Air Canada Pilots Association Appoints New National Chair of Governing Council
February 1, 20231 February 2023
ACPA formally announces First Officer Charlene Hudy as Chair of the MEC…
Press Release: Council of Unions come to an Agreement Supported by Air Canada which Strengthens Retirement Income for Workers for the Long Term
November 12, 202112 November 2021
The unions representing AC employees issue a joint release to applaud last week's announcement of an agreement which will strengthen retirement incomes for current and future retired employees who are part of the DB pension plans…
Press Release: Air Canada Pilots Association Elects New Chair of Governing Council
November 3, 20213 November 2021
ACPA formally announces First Officer Gary Russell as Chair of the MEC...
Media Statement: Supreme Court Grants TSB Leave to Appeal Release AC624 CVR
October 21, 202121 October 2021
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the TSB’s appeal on the lower court decision to release the cockpit voice recorder…
Press Release: ACPA & ALPA condemn Cargojet's recent actions
September 10, 202110 September 2021
Joint response to CJ's termination of 23 pilots last week...
Media Statement: Vaccination Policy for Air Canada Employees
August 25, 202125 August 2021
Statement from Captain Michael McKay, Chairman of the Air Canada Pilots Association on the issuance of a COVID-19 vaccination policy, by Air Canada, affecting all ACPA members...
Media Statement: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal Upholds Decision to Release AC624 CVR
June 28, 202128 June 2021
In response to the recent decision by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeals to uphold the release the AC624 cockpit voice recorder, ACPA, along with the TSB, are seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada...
Media Statement: Confirmation of long-awaited federal financial support for Air Canada
April 13, 202113 April 2021
Statement from Captain Michael McKay, Chairman of the Air Canada Pilots Association on the confirmation of federal financial support for Air Canada.
Media Statement: Termination of Air Canada – Transat A.T. proposed transaction
April 2, 20212 April 2021
Statement from Captain Michael McKay, Chairman of the Air Canada Pilots Association on the termination of Air Canada's proposed acquisition of Transat A.T.
Media Statement: February 9, 2021
February 9, 20219 February 2021
Captain Michael McKay, Chair of the Air Canada Pilots Association, comments on today's Company announcement regarding additional temporary route cancellations and employee layoffs.
Media Statement: Statement regarding Canada’s recently announced travel restrictions
January 29, 202129 January 2021
ACPA CEO Robert Giguere provides a statement regarding the federal government's recently announced travel restrictions...
Press Release: Airlines and unions urge cooperation as federal government considers potential new measures to reduce air travel
January 22, 202122 January 2021
ACPA, ALPA, Unifor, NACC and CALDA renew calls on the federal government to consider science and data and to consult with industry and unions before further measures are undertaken to avoid unintended consequences for the already stricken aviation sector...
Press Release: Canada's airline workers continue to be devastated by lack of direct financial aid to sector
January 12, 202112 January 2021
ACPA, ALPA, Unifor, and CALDA continue to call on the federal government to make a direct and meaningful financial contribution to our devastated industry, commensurate with the contribution made by other countries to their own sector...
Media Statement: Canadian Re-certification of B-737 MAX
December 18, 202018 December 2020
Captain Michael McKay, MEC Chair, provides a statement regarding the Canadian re-certification of the B-737 MAX...
Media Statement: September 19, 2020
September 19, 202019 September 2020
Captain Michael McKay, Chair of the Master Elected Council of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), provides a statement regarding an updated agreement reached with the Company in response to operational changes due to COVID-19...
Press Release: Canada’s Unions deliver clear priorities for federal airline relief package
March 28, 202028 March 2020
Canada’s airline unions met with the Minister of Finance and Minister of Transportation to share the concerns of aviation industry workers and to provide solutions to ensure the sector’s viability. Chief among their priorities is to ensure that any federal financial aid package responds to the needs of workers still on the job as well as the thousands of airline employees recently laid off...
Media statement: March 24, 2020
March 24, 202024 March 2020
Captain Michael McKay, Chair of the Master Elected Council of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), provides a statement regarding the agreement reached with the Company in response to operational changes due to COVID-19...
Media statement: Evolving developments regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19
March 20, 202020 March 2020
Captain Michael McKay, Chair of the Master Elected Council of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), provides a statement regarding the evolving Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and its impact on members...
Media statement: Evolving Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation
March 16, 202016 March 2020
Captain Andre Soucy, Acting Chair of the Master Elected Council of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), provides a statement regarding the evolving Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation...
Media Statement re: AC837 – Monday, February 3, 2020
February 3, 20203 February 2020
Captain Michael McKay, Chair of the Master Elected Council of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), provides a statement regarding flight AC837...
Court Decision to Release AC624 Cockpit Voice Recorder
November 21, 201921 November 2019
As noted in the affidavit submitted by Captain Daniel Cadieux, Chair of ACPA’s Flight Safety Division, the privacy of pilots should be protected, especially when personal information incidental to events is recorded. Read more...
Air Transat Shareholder Vote
August 23, 201923 August 2019
Captain Michael McKay, Chair of the Master Elected Council of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), provides a statement regarding the Air Transat Shareholder Vote.
Air Canada Pilots Association Welcomes New CEO
August 14, 201914 August 2019
Captain Michael McKay, Chair of the Master Elected Council of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Robert Giguere as Chief Executive Officer, effective Tuesday, July 30, 2019.
Position: Air Canada Pilots Association supports independent Canadian safety review of B-737 Max
June 14, 201914 June 2019
The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) supports Transport Minister Marc Garneau’s commitment that Canada will conduct an independent validation of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft. This commitment affirms ACPA’s position that Canadian regulatory authorities must take proactive actions to ensure the safety of the Canadian traveling public.
Position: Air Canada Pilots Association Supports Drone Regulations
June 4, 20194 June 2019
The federal government’s new drone regulations officially came into effect on June 1, 2019. Click "Read More" for ACPA's position on these regulations that aim to improve aviation safety...
Air Canada Pilots Association Supports the Decision of Minister Garneau
March 13, 201913 March 2019
ACPA supports the decision of Minister Garneau to be proactive and take steps, consistent with other jurisdictions, to help ensure the safety of the Canadian travelling public...
Air Canada Pilots Association Elects New Chair of Governing Council
February 5, 20195 February 2019
The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), Canada's single largest pilot group, yesterday elected Captain Mike McKay as Chair at a Special Meeting of its Master Elected Council (MEC) in Toronto. The three-year term will run from April 1, 2019 until March 31, 2022...
Air Canada Pilots Applaud New Drone Regulations
January 9, 20199 January 2019
Stronger regulations for remotely piloted aircraft systems protect Canadian aviation...
ACPA Fatigue Rules Backgrounder
December 12, 201812 December 2018
Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation regulations (Parts I, VI and VII — Flight Crew Member Hours of Work and Rest Periods), which was published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on December 12, 2018.
The Air Canada Pilots Association Applauds the Inclusion of Pilot Fatigue on the Transportation Safety Board’s 2018 Watchlist
October 30, 201830 October 2018
Inclusion of fatigue on the Watchlist underscores the importance of Canada’s fatigue regulations meeting or exceeding NASA recommendations.
Industry continues pressuring government to put profits ahead of passenger safety
April 25, 201825 April 2018
Operators’ calls for more delays and weakened rules, if successful, would put air crews, passengers and public at risk.
Air Canada Pilots Association Elects New Chair of Governing Council
February 7, 20187 February 2018
The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), the nation’s largest single pilot group, yesterday elected Captain Matt Hogan as Chair at a Special Meeting of its Master Elected Council (MEC) in Toronto. The one-year term will run from March 1, 2018 until March 31, 2019.
Canada's Proposed Fatigue Regulations Fall Short of Ensuring Safer Skies
July 4, 20174 July 2017
Regulations proposed by Transport Canada are inconsistent with NASA's scientific recommendations.
Air Canada Pilots Association Welcomes Transportation Committee Report
June 21, 201721 June 2017
Parliamentarians call for fatigue regulations with safety as a primary concern, based on scientific evidence
Air Canada Pilots Association responds to TSB Investigation Report on flight AC624
May 18, 201718 May 2017
The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today received the final Accident Investigation Report completed by Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB) regarding flight AC624 on March 29, 2015 at Halifax’s Stanfield International Airport.
Pilots invite Canadians to join campaign for Safer Skies
May 2, 20172 May 2017
Canada's four largest pilot groups join forces to launch SaferSkies.ca – a campaign to petition Transportation Minister Marc Garneau for stronger aviation fatigue regulations.
Air Canada Pilots Association supports Transport Minister's new interim rules for drones
March 16, 201716 March 2017
Pilots pleased to see immediate introduction of rules to address reckless use of recreational drones in restricted airspace.
Welcome aboard the new ACPA.ca
June 15, 201615 June 2016
TORONTO - The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) is happy to present its newly designed website. The new design features enhanced resources for the public — from details on ACPA’s position on critical advocacy work to profiles of pilot members.
Air Canada Pilots Association supports Transport Minister's efforts to raise awareness of dangers posed by drones operated in restricted airspace
June 13, 201613 June 2016
TORONTO, ON – The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) supports Minister of Transport Marc Garneau's efforts aimed at drawing greater attention to the danger posed by drones operated in restricted airspace.
Air Canada Pilots Association supports Transport Minister Marc Garneau in his efforts to raise awareness of the danger of laser strikes in Canada
May 24, 201624 May 2016
TORONTO, ON – The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today lauded Minister of Transport Marc Garneau’s efforts aimed at drawing greater attention to the danger posed by anyone who targets an aircraft with lasers.
Air Canada Pilots Elect New Chair of Governing Council
February 24, 201624 February 2016
TORONTO – The Master Elected Council (MEC) of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) yesterday elected Captain Kevin Vaillant as Chair for a three-year term, effective April 1, 2016.
Air Canada Pilots Association Welcomes New CEO
January 29, 201629 January 2016
Toronto – Captain Geoff Wall, Chair of the Master Elected Council of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA), and Captain Ian Smith, President of ACPA, are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Milt Isaacs as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2016.
Air Canada Pilots Disappointed and Frustrated at Government Delays in Updating Canada’s Flight and Duty Time Regulations to Global Standards
August 12, 201512 August 2015
Ottawa - Air Canada pilots today expressed their disappointment and frustration with the federal government for failing to take action to update Canada’s flight crew fatigue management regulations.
Air Canada Pilots Statement on Air Safety Improvements
March 27, 201527 March 2015
Toronto-The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today issued the following statement by ACPA President Captain Ian Smith in response to changes in safety procedures at Air Canada
Air Canada Pilots Elect New President
December 5, 20145 December 2014
Toronto – Air Canada pilots have elected two officers to lead their 3,000-member Association over the next two years.
Air Canada Pilots Ratify New Agreement with Air Canada
October 31, 201431 October 2014
TORONTO – Air Canada pilots have ratified the new agreement recently negotiated with the airline.
Air Canada Pilots Reach New Agreement with Air Canada
October 6, 20146 October 2014
TORONTO –A new agreement has been reached between Air Canada and the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) establishing compensation, benefits and other work rules until September 2024, which must be ratified by a majority vote of ACPA’s 3,000 members.
International Winter Operations Conference Brings Global Aviation Experts to Vancouver
October 4, 20144 October 2014
Vancouver – Some of the world’s leading aviation experts will present the latest advances in safety at the third International Winter Operations Conference, to be held October 9-10 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver.
Air Canada Pilots Welcome Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program
April 30, 201330 April 2013
TORONTO – The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today welcomed the federal government’s reform of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which the Association has been advocating for several years.
Air Canada Pilots Elect New Officers
October 25, 201225 October 2012
Toronto - Air Canada pilots have chosen new officers to lead their 3,000 - member association.
To Air Canada Shareholders
June 4, 20124 June 2012
You will be aware that the Air Canada Pilots Association’s attempts to negotiate a new collective agreement have failed, resulting in the dispute being sent to an arbitration process imposed by the federal government.
Well Done!
May 20, 201220 May 2012
Fellow Pilots, There have been a number of high profile incidents lately on the line, including engine failures. Our crews have demonstrated the utmost level of professionalism, as always, with the safety of our passengers in mind.
Air Canada Pilots Dispute Goes to Arbitration
May 19, 201219 May 2012
TORONTO – A ten-day effort by Air Canada pilots to negotiate a new agreement with the airline has failed, sending the dispute to federally-legislated arbitration.
Air Canada Pilots Launch Court Challenge of Federal Legislation
March 20, 201220 March 2012
TORONTO – Air Canada pilots are asking the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to rule that federal legislation passed last week, forcing them to fly and accept a contract imposed through arbitration....
Media Availability – Air Canada Pilots Association to Take Questions Following Senate Committee
March 14, 201214 March 2012
OTTAWA – Captain Jean-Marc Bélanger, Chair of the Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Canada Pilots Association, and Captain Paul Strachan, President of the Air Canada Pilots Association...
Majority of Canadians Want Air Canada Negotiations, Not Government Intervention
March 13, 201213 March 2012
TORONTO – A majority of Canadians want Air Canada to negotiate a new contract with its pilots and avoid having the federal government impose arbitration, according to a survey released today by the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA).
Air Canada Pilots Choose New Chair of Governing Council
March 12, 201212 March 2012
TORONTO - The Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today elected Captain Jean-Marc Bélanger as Chair for the remainder of its two-year term.
Air Canada Pilots to Vote on Corporation’s Offer
March 8, 20128 March 2012
TORONTO – Air Canada pilots will vote on the latest offer from their employer, with their Association recommending that the pilots reject the offer and send a message to their employer to get serious about negotiations.
Vote Shows Air Canada Pilots United for Negotiated Contract
February 14, 201214 February 2012
TORONTO - Air Canada pilots have voted 97 per cent in favour of a strike mandate, giving their Association an overwhelming mandate to achieve a negotiated agreement at the bargaining table. More than 97 per cent of the pilots took part in the vote.
Air Canada Pilots: No Work Stoppage During Holiday Season
December 19, 201119 December 2011
TORONTO - Air Canada pilots say there’s no risk of any work stoppage over the Holiday Season, despite their ongoing issues with the airline.
Air Canada Pilots Call on Airline to Return to Negotiations
October 27, 201127 October 2011
TORONTO - Air Canada Pilots Association President Captain Paul Strachan today expressed his members’ disappointment that their airline has chosen to file a notice of dispute with the federal government and called on the airline to return to negotiations.
Air Canada Pilots Statement of Remembrance on September 11
September 11, 201111 September 2011
On a day when the world marks the tragedy that occurred ten years ago, Air Canada pilots pause to pay special remembrance to the pilots, flight attendants and countless innocent victims who perished in these senseless attacks.
Opinion: Pilots & Pensions
August 1, 20111 August 2011
By PAUL STRACHAN Much attention has been paid to the recent strike at Air Canada and the government’s almost instantaneous decision to legislate an end to the dispute.
Air Canada Pilots Vote to Reject Tentative Agreement
May 19, 201119 May 2011
TORONTO – Air Canada pilots have voted to reject a tentative agreement that had been negotiated with the airline.
CIRB Dismisses All Complaints Against Air Canada Pilots Association
May 5, 20115 May 2011
OTTAWA – The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has completely dismissed all complaints filed by 67 pilots opposed to retirement at age 60 who alleged that they had not been fairly represented by the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA).
Air Canada Pilots Cancel Vote on Tentative Agreement
April 15, 201115 April 2011
TORONTO – The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today announced that it has cancelled the ratification vote on its tentative agreement with Air Canada. The vote had been scheduled to begin today.
Air Canada Pilots to Vote on Tentative Agreement
April 8, 20118 April 2011
TORONTO – Air Canada pilots will vote later this month on the tentative agreement that its negotiators reached with the airline.
Air Canada Pilots Reach Tentative Agreement
March 18, 201118 March 2011
The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today announced that its negotiating team has reached a tentative agreement with representatives of Air Canada.
Cape Town, South Africa
January 4, 20114 January 2011
The Associations of Star Alliance Pilots (“ASAP”) today concluded their semi-annual Executive Board meeting and Conference here in Cape Town.
Negotiated Age of Retirement Conforms to Charter, Federal Court to Hear
November 22, 201022 November 2010
OTTAWA - The Federal Court will hear today that successive Supreme Court of Canada decisions have confirmed that a negotiated age of retirement, is consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Air Canada Pilots Re-Elect President, Choose New Secretary-Treasurer
October 26, 201026 October 2010
TORONTO - Air Canada pilots have re-elected Captain Paul Strachan as President and elected Captain Jon Webster as the new Secretary-Treasurer of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA).
Pilots Support Retirement at Age 60: Poll
August 10, 201010 August 2010
TORONTO - An overwhelming majority of Air Canada pilots support retirement at age 60, according to a poll conducted for their union. The survey of more than 1,800 pilots showed that 82 per cent supported retirement at age 60 or even younger.
Federal Court to Review Retirement Age Decision in November
July 29, 201029 July 2010
TORONTO--The Federal Court has scheduled hearings November 22 - 25 in Ottawa for its judicial review of a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) decision which called into question...
Air Canada Pilots Call for Air Security Overhaul
June 17, 201017 June 2010
TORONTO -The largest professional pilot group in Canada today called on the federal government to overhaul the country's aviation security system.

White Paper: Improving the Canadian Civil Aviation Security System
Air Canada Pilots Choose New Chair of Governing Council
January 27, 201027 January 2010
TORONTO -- The Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today re-elected Captain Bruce White as Chair for its two-year term.
Air Canada Unions Choose Board Member
January 22, 201022 January 2010
TORONTO - The Council of Unions representing organized Air Canada employees today announced they have chosen the Honourable Roy Romanow to be their representative on the airline's Board of Directors.
Aviation Safety: An Open Letter from the Air Canada Pilots Association
December 1, 20091 December 2009
TORONTO - The following is the text of a letter from the President of the Air Canada Pilots Association to the National Chair of the Canadian Federal Pilots Association
Media Coverage - Pilot Fatigue - CFRB am
November 24, 200924 November 2009
Discussion with "Paul Strachan, President of Air Canada Pilots Association", about how serious a problem is pilot fatigue even napping in the cockpit in our country. **Member can listen to the full interview, by clicking the link on the home page**
Media Coverage – Bird strikes ACPA Interview – CBC TV The National
November 2, 20092 November 2009
The annual southward migration of Canada geese has raised concern about bird strikes on aircraft.
Bird strike safety plan never implemented Pilots call for action on recurring safety problem
November 2, 20092 November 2009
A Canadian Forces Airbus was badly damaged after striking a Canada goose while airborne near Winnipeg in 2003.
Air Canada Pilots Track Fatigue Incidents
October 8, 20098 October 2009
TORONTO -- The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) has launched an initiative to track incidents of fatigue experienced by pilots flying the airline's mainline fleet.