OTTAWA- A new Nanos Research survey reveals growing concern among Canadians regarding the federal government’s proposed plan to privatize the country’s major airports. According to the poll, a majority of Canadians oppose the move, with more people against handing over operations to private investors than in favor.
The survey highlights that 28 percent of respondents strongly oppose the government’s proposal, while 19 percent somewhat oppose it. Conversely, 26 percent somewhat support the initiative, and only 12 percent fully back it. Commenting on the findings, Nik Nanos, founder and chief data scientist at Nanos Research, stated that the public is viewing this issue with extreme caution, describing it as a complex and sensitive matter.
The reaction follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement last month that the federal government is seeking private investment to operate Canada’s four major international airports: Toronto-Pearson, Montreal-Trudeau, Calgary, and Vancouver. Under the proposed framework, private investors would manage operations through long-term lease agreements while the federal government retains ownership of the land and physical assets. Transport Canada will continue to regulate airport operations, though specific rules and regulations regarding fees and charges have yet to be announced.
With rising living costs remaining a primary concern for Canadians, the public is particularly worried about whether this move will lead to higher travel expenses. Nik Nanos emphasized that the government must provide greater clarity on how it intends to protect public interests, warning that the issue could turn into a major political headache for the Carney administration.
