The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce is asking Canada’s Competition Bureau to examine Air Canada’s decision to terminate air service from Saskatoon to Calgary.

Chamber CEO Jason Aebig says in a news release that, “Air Canada has not adequately explained its ‘business decision’ to disregard strong and growing demand.
and eliminate a route that has been consistently profitable for over 30 years.”

He also says if Air Canada is unwilling to explain its decision to its customers and stakeholders, it can explain the decision to its regulators.

The Chamber’s 11-page submission to the Bureau contends that Air Canada’s cancellation of service from Saskatoon to Calgary equates to a net loss of competition and choice for business and leisure travellers.

WestJet will be the only airline offering direct service between Saskatchewan and Calgary and Aebig suggests it gives the airline a monopoly. The Chamber has asked the Bureau to determine whether the air carriers came to an agreement to allocate markets, contrary to the conspiracy provisions, or the civil competitor collaboration provisions, of the Competition Act.

In response to the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce calling on Canada’s Competition Bureau to examine the Air Canada decision suspending service between Saskatchewan and Calgary, the Vice-President Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs at WestJet suggests they will maintain his company’s standing in the province.

Andy Gibbons said via Twitter, “We are so proud to be the largest carrier in Saskatchewan with record levels of connectivity to our global hub in Calgary. We will soon announce our summer schedule which will continue to make Saskatchewan central to our strategy.”