Canada’s Competition Bureau is launching a market study focused on the state of competition in the Canadian airline sector.
The bureau will examine barriers to competition, such as regulations or policies. A recent Competition Bureau studied that looked at the grocery industry received lots of attention and spurred a national conversation.
Melissa Fisher, a deputy commissioner with the Competition Bureau, announced the initiative while testifying in front of a parliamentary committee studying airline competition in Canada.
Lynx joined a long list of failed Canadian carriers. (Photo Credit: Lynx Airlines)
She cited “recent events that have raised questions about the state of competition in the airline sector,” in reference to the closure of Lynx Air in February. Lynx was the latest in a long list of failed carriers in Canada.
Other recent events potentially impacting competition include WestJet absorbing low-cost subsidiary Swoop in to the mainline, and The WestJet Group’s purchase of Sunwing Airlines in 2023.
Fisher said the study will look at improving competition for “the benefit of domestic air passengers as well as the workers and entrepreneurs who enable these services.” It will be the first study under new powers the Competition Bureau was given last year, which include the ability to compel information from companies.
Topics From This Article to Explore
