Transport Canada (TC), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and the Canadian Transportation Agency meet regularly in order to develop the proposed list of air transport negotiations. Every year, TC consults Canadian airlines, airports, the tourism industry, and provincial/territorial governments on their overall international priorities and commercial interests.
In deciding whether negotiations should be considered, particular attention is paid to opportunities likely to result in new services by Canadian or foreign carriers, the size and maturity of the bilateral air transportation market, as well as the potential for future growth. Foreign policy and matters relating to safety and security may also impact the decision to include a country on the proposed list. Canada’s international trade objectives, including business and tourism interests, are also considered. Moreover, each year, foreign governments request negotiations with the Government of Canada. The merit of these requests is always assessed against Canadian interests
It must be noted, however, that the priorities and interests of the various Canadian stakeholders do not always overlap. For example, an airport in one part of the country may be the only Canadian stakeholder interested in negotiating with a specific country, or a Canadian airline may want the Government to negotiate with a country that is of no interest to other Canadian airlines. Although it is not always possible to accommodate every interests in a single planning exercise, the federal government strives to develop a proposed list that meets the interests of the majority of stakeholders and regions of the country. This is a delicate balancing act that requires a broad, long-term view, to better serve Canada’s interests.
Once a country has been added to the proposed list, GAC will contact that foreign government to confirm its interest in negotiating with Canada, and to suggest dates and venues for the negotiations. Although an air transport agreement with a particular country may be a priority for Canada, the reverse may not be true. Furthermore, a country’s willingness to meet with Canada does not automatically mean that its negotiating team will be available on the dates suggested by Canada, or be able to travel to the proposed venue. Sometimes, it takes several months, if not years, to convince a country to agree to negotiate with Canada. This is why the proposed list of negotiations is continually evolving and requires flexibility. Before each negotiation, Canadian airports and airlines are consulted again for their views. This helps TC gather important information to prepare the negotiating mandate.