(OTTAWA, ON) MP Rochefort's Statement in the House of Commons today:
This week, the House of Commons welcomes the Canadian Airports Council to Ottawa, and included are representatives from my community’s Jack Garland Airport in North Bay. In a country as vast and geographically wide as Canada, connecting Canadians is not easy, and that is why air travel is so essential. In fact, it provides the vital connectivity needed for our country to function. From North Bay’s Jack Garland Airport, citizens in need of specialized medical services fly to Toronto, then there are firefighters who jump on an airplane at a moment’s notice to assist communities facing natural disasters, and from North Bay mining executives travel the globe to share leading edge products and services. Airports are essential and so a very special thank you to airport personnel who work to ensure this sector is thriving for the betterment of North Bay and similar communities across our vast country.
City of North Bay CEO John Severino, Mayor Peter Chirico, and Jack Garland Airport Manager Bryan Avery met with Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon (2nd from left) in Ottawa.
Air Canada has announced that it will cease service to North Bay (YYB) effective January 30, 2026. Jack Garland Airport, owned by the City of North Bay, is the largest airport north of Toronto, with a 3,050 m (10,000 ft) runway. This large runway allows the airport to accommodate virtually all types of aircraft. Currently, no other Star Alliance member airline serves North Bay, making Air Canada's departure particularly significant for the region. This poses a problem, as it impacts the financial viability of the airport's ACAP funding and threatens its essential operations.
Why it is essential to protect North Bay's Jack Garland Airport:
Air Canada's decision to withdraw flights from Jack Garland Airport threatens to sever a vital transportation link that supports the following organizations.
• The 22nd Wing located at Canadian Forces Base North Bay. The base plays an important role in NORAD and NATO operations, as it is responsible for surveillance, identification, control, and warning for the aerospace defense of Canada and North America. It provides essential services as part of the government's current military strategy.
• The International Tactical Flight Training Center, recently added to the airport, which offers real-world tactical and military training.
• Voyageur Aviation Corporation, a global provider of aviation solutions and a leading asset manager specializing in regional aviation. Its services offer an unmatched range of benefits to regional aviation customers worldwide.
• Canadore College's eight aviation programs, including Transport Canada-approved diplomas in aircraft maintenance and structural repair and avionics. Canadore College has state-of-the-art training facilities that meet industry standards, dedicated faculty and staff, and the largest fleet of any college in Ontario!
• Global leaders in the mining exploration, supply, and mining services sectors. More than 60 such companies are based in North Bay, and the list of multinational headquarters continues to grow. These companies play a key role in Canada's critical minerals expansion strategy.
• North Bay and Area Regional Hospital with medical evacuation services.
• Pearson International Airport: Jack Garland Airport offers alternative landing options to Pearson International Airport and other international airports in North America in the event of emergencies or adverse weather conditions, playing an important role in supporting air services from a national transportation perspective: the same capabilities and capacity used by RCAF operational squadrons.
The airport recently renovated its crosswind runway and in 2025, NAV Canada invested approximately $2MM directly into its Instrument Landing System. And so, with its 10,000-foot runway, the airport is an important asset for Northern Ontario and Canada. Therefore, restoring and maintaining service between North Bay and Toronto, which connects the national and international network, is essential for the city, the region and for Canada.