(OTTAWA) – Today, Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (Saanich—Gulf Islands), called to upgrade regulations for pilot flying times, echoing demands made by officials in the Air Canada Pilots Association.
“Canada is among the worst in the developed world for regulations on pilot fatigue and the risks are grave. While we understand there are increased costs, particularly for smaller carriers, you cannot put a price on a human life,” said Ms. May. “We need to ensure the next government makes the necessary upgrades to reflect recommended scientifically-based global standards before there is an accident, not after. Green MPs in Parliament will ensure this issue is addressed.”
Transport Canada has postponed implementation of new rules—five years after the start of studies on the topic, and one year after changes were introduced through the Notice of Proposed Amendment, developed by Air Canada pilots and the federal government.
Current regulations have not been changed since 1996, and do not comply with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Several studies, including one done by NASA, indicate that performance is severely reduced when fatigued, and is worse during nighttime hours. These studies have sparked changes to U.S. and E.U. safety regulations, both of which comply with international standards more closely than Canada’s.
Larger carriers, such as Air Canada, already impose limits through a collective agreement. Transport Canada notes that between 2002 and 2012, smaller aviation firms in Canada comprised 94 percent of all commercial air accidents and 95 percent of commercial air fatalities.
In a Toronto Star article, Capt. Ian Smith, president of the Air Canada Pilots Association said, “You just can’t deny the science…It’s solid and we believe that it’s time for Canada to join the rest of the global community in updating their fatigue rules.”
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
[email protected]