TRAVEL

Air Canada Strike Starts Amid Dispute Over Ground Time Pay

Strike unfolds at major airports

Published

10 months ago

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Strike unfolds at major airports: Flight attendants represented by CUPE walked off the job at 12:58 a.m. ET on August 16, marking the first significant work stoppage since 1985. Picketers gathered at major hubs including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver, prompting a near-complete suspension of Air Canada and Rouge flights. Around 130,000 passengers a day are expected to be affected.

What’s fueling the strike: The central issue is compensation for “ground time”, tasks that flight attendants currently perform unpaid, such as boarding, deplaning, or pre-flight checks. CUPE says their research shows approximately 35 hours per month go uncompensated. Air Canada’s proposal of a 38% total compensation increase over four years, paired with 50% ground time pay, was rejected by the union. CUPE insists their offer fails to meet inflation and industry standards.

Operational fallout & attempts at resolution: The airline is cancelling hundreds of flights and advising passengers not to come to airports unless flying with other carriers. Alternative arrangements and refunds are being offered to affected travelers. Meanwhile, the federal Jobs Minister, Patty Hajdu, has initiated binding arbitration via the Canada Industrial Relations Board—an intervention the union opposes, arguing it undercuts the right to strike

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LOCAL

Where to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver: Top Bars, Patios, and Fan Zones

Discover the best bars, restaurants, and fan zones in Vancouver for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From Parallel 49 to Gastown United, find your match-day spot.

Published

4 days ago

on

June 11, 2026

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Vancouver Prepares for Global Football Fever

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to transform Vancouver into a vibrant hub for international soccer fans. From June 11 to July 19, the city will host a series of high-stakes matches, and local venues are gearing up with massive screens, themed menus, and immersive viewing experiences. Whether you are looking for a high-energy brewery atmosphere or a family-friendly outdoor square, Vancouver’s hospitality sector has curated a diverse range of options to ensure you don’t miss a single goal.

Premier Outdoor Viewing and Craft Beer

Parallel 49 Brewing Company is leading the charge by converting its 250-seat patio into a dedicated outdoor stadium. Featuring a 14-foot high-definition screen and 40 taps, the venue offers free admission and will open early for 9 a.m. matches. For those seeking a neighborhood-wide celebration, the Gastown United campaign will bring football fanaticism to the historic district’s streets and patios from June 13 through July 7, offering unique business activations and local watch parties.

Interactive Fan Experiences and Giveaways

For fans who want to combine the game with interactive betting and prizes, the PROLINE House Pop-Up at Butcher & Bullock is a must-visit. The venue features a 17-foot screen and offers fans chances to win Team Canada jerseys and official gear. Meanwhile, The Westin Bayshore is launching its ‘Bay’Score Soccer Experiences,’ utilizing an immersive LED Infinity Wall and offering elevated stadium-style bites. This venue provides a more upscale viewing environment, complete with value-added snack combos and staycation packages for those traveling from outside the city.

Community and Family-Friendly Hubs

Families and students at UBC can head to Wesbrook Village for ‘Soccer in the Square.’ Held at Norman MacKenzie Square, this all-ages event provides a shaded tent, picnic seating, and a 150-guest capacity, making it one of the most accessible ways to watch the tournament. Additionally, the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown is offering a ‘Match Day Package’ and a lobby fan zone, catering to visitors who want a luxury experience paired with their football. From the arcade vibes at GRETA YVR to the community spirit of UBC, Vancouver is ready to welcome the world.

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business

Unlocking Toronto’s Potential: Why Billy Bishop Airport Expansion is a Vital Economic Catalyst

Explore why expanding Billy Bishop Airport is essential for Toronto’s economic growth, global connectivity, and its transition into a world-class meta city.

Published

4 weeks ago

on

May 20, 2026

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The Case for a Modernized Waterfront Gateway

The proposal by Premier Doug Ford’s government to expand Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has ignited a debate about the future of Toronto’s urban landscape. At the heart of the discussion is the potential to transform the downtown hub into a world-class, walkable, and sustainable airport. By extending the runway to accommodate modern jets, the city could bridge the gap between its current status and that of elite global “meta cities” like London and New York.

Economic Connectivity in the Post-Pandemic Era

As cities navigate the recovery from pandemic-era shifts, the role of downtown cores has evolved. Recent data suggests that visitors now account for approximately 60 percent of activity in major North American downtowns, far outstripping office workers. Billy Bishop Airport serves as a direct pipeline for these visitors, bringing tourists and business professionals directly into the heart of Toronto. Expanding the airport’s reach to include major tech and finance hubs like San Francisco, Miami, and Vancouver would strengthen Toronto’s economic competitiveness and foster the flow of ideas and capital.

Infrastructure and Urban Identity

Urbanists argue that the world’s most successful cities thrive on multi-airport systems that offer geographic flexibility and ease capacity pressure at primary hubs. Similar to London City Airport or New York’s LaGuardia, a modernized Billy Bishop would provide a seamless transit experience that integrates with the city’s residential and commercial fabric. This “messy urbanism”—a mix of industry, residential life, and transportation—is central to Toronto’s DNA.

A Sustainable Future for Aviation

One of the primary benefits of the proposed expansion is the transition to quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Modern jets are designed to minimize noise pollution while maximizing connectivity, addressing long-standing concerns from local residents. While the provincial government’s unilateral approach has faced criticism for sidelining municipal stakeholders, the underlying vision remains clear: a sustainable, integrated airport is a critical asset for a city with global ambitions.

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BC NEWS

BC Ferries Braces for Record-Breaking Summer as World Cup Fans Surge Toward Vancouver Island

BC Ferries prepares for record summer ridership as World Cup fans arrive. Learn about new vessels, maintenance updates, and travel alerts for 2025.

Published

1 month ago

on

May 14, 2026

By

Managing Expectations Amid Rising Demand

BC Ferries is preparing for its busiest summer season on record, signaling a mix of optimism and realism as it faces the dual challenges of an aging fleet and a massive influx of international visitors. During a press briefing on Wednesday, officials acknowledged that while the system is operating at “peak output,” disruptions remain a possibility due to the sheer volume of travelers expected in the coming months.

The FIFA Factor and Global Tourism

The 2026 World Cup is set to be a major catalyst for provincial travel. With seven matches scheduled at BC Place starting June 13, Vancouver anticipates welcoming 350,000 spectators. BC Ferries executives noted that approximately 45 percent of these visitors are coming from outside North America, many of whom are expected to extend their trips to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. Brian Anderson, VP of strategy and planning, admitted that while the exact impact of FIFA on marine traffic is unknown, the corporation is assuming significantly higher demand than previous years.

Operational Readiness and Maintenance

To combat the service disruptions that plagued the fleet earlier this spring, BC Ferries has completed a “highly coordinated” maintenance schedule. Twenty-two vessels underwent refits this year to ensure maximum availability. Additionally, the company has hired more than 630 seasonal workers to staff extra sailings. Melanie Lucia, VP of customer experience, emphasized that the focus is on reducing customer frustration through better communication, including new booking alerts for the Horseshoe Bay-Nanaimo route and waitlists for the Comox-Powell River crossing.

Long-Term Solutions on the Horizon

While Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog expressed cautious optimism, calling the recent maintenance efforts a “positive step forward,” officials admit there is no quick fix for the system’s underlying issues. The long-term strategy includes the acquisition of eight new vessels over the next five years, which is projected to increase passenger capacity by 135 percent. For now, the ferry service is focused on rapid recovery whenever mechanical or scheduling issues inevitably arise during the peak 2025-2026 travel cycle.

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