15 hours passed since flight attendants at WestJet went on strike, disrupting travel during one of the summer’s busiest weekends. The Business Council of Alberta is now demanding the federal government take immediate action to restore air service. Adam Legge, president of the council, argued that the government has both the authority and responsibility to intervene and get planes flying again.
Last year, the federal government moved quickly to address the Air Canada cabin crew strike, and the council says Canadians affected by the current WestJet strike deserve the same response. The council is specifically calling for the invocation of Section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code to resolve the impasse between the airline and its flight attendants.
A pattern of instability in Canada’s transport sector
Transport disruptions have become increasingly common. In 2025, 4.3 million person-days were lost to work stoppages—a record high. Of those, transportation accounted for 36 percent, with over 60 work stoppages occurring in the past two years. The Business Council of Alberta describes this as a recurring pattern of instability that threatens Canada’s economic competitiveness and trade relationships.
The Business Council warns that continued disruptions could undermine efforts to attract private-sector investment. Prime Minister Carney recently set a goal of securing $1 trillion in total investment over five years, and prolonged strikes could threaten this ambition.
The push for long-term reforms
In addition to the immediate strike resolution, the Business Council of Alberta is urging the federal government to enact labor reforms. These include strengthening early dispute resolution, improving certainty in bargaining, and reducing the likelihood of prolonged disruptions in nationally significant transportation and supply chain systems.
The council believes that both individuals and businesses should be able to plan confidently, knowing that Canada’s transportation systems remain reliable. A detailed submission has been made to the government outlining these concerns and proposed actions.