Canada's government is looking at privatizing airports. What would that accomplish?

Defending the mediocrity of Canadian airports is no righteous cause

The New Democrats are furious at news the federal government is, in its own words, “assessing opportunities to unlock the full value of airports in support of investments in Canada’s long-term growth, including through alternative models of ownership.” It’s what normal human beings call privatization.

Canada's government is looking at privatizing airports. What would that accomplish?

If Canada proceeds with privatizing airports, it could open opportunities for investors and infrastructure improvements. But it could also mean higher costs for air passengers.

Privatizing Canadian airports would be a costly mistake

Privatizing Canadian airports risks trading away long-term public assets for a short-term cash infusion tied to a debt-backed sovereign wealth fund The federal government is considering privatizing Canada’s airports, in part to help finance a new sovereign wealth fund. Both ideas deserve a closer, critical look. Taken together, they risk turning public assets into vehicles for private profit, while offering Canadians little in return. If the ide…