THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Tuesday, June 2, 2026
(37)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications met this day at 9 a.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable David M. Wells, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Arnold, Aucoin, Cormier, Lewis, Mohamed, Quinn, Simons, Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador) and Wilson (9).
Participating in the meeting: Geneviève Gosselin and Marion Ménard, Analysts, Library of Parliament; Chelsea DeFazio, Communications Officer, Communications, Broadcasting and Publications Directorate.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the committee continued its consideration on such issues as may arise from time to time relating to transport and communications generally. (Topic: The temporary suspension of federal fuel excise tax on aviation fuels and its impact on airfares)
WITNESSES:
Air Canada:
David Rheault, Vice President, Government and Community Relations.
National Airlines Council of Canada:
Jeff Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Air Transport Association of Canada:
Julie Mailhot, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels:
Geoff Tauvette, Executive Director.
David Rheault, Jeff Morrison, Julie Mailhot and Geoff Tauvette each made a statement and answered questions.
At 10:05 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 10:09 a.m., the committee resumed in camera.
Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee considered a draft agenda (future business).
It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording and/or transcription of the in camera portion of today’s meeting, that one copy be kept with the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members or their staff, and that the audio recording and/or transcript be destroyed by the clerk of the committee when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.
At 10:20, pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the committee continued its study on the local services provided by the CBC/Radio-Canada.
Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee considered a draft report.
It was agreed that the title “Local News Matters: Rethinking CBC/Radio-Canada’s Role in a Changing Media Landscape” be given to the report adopted on April 28, 2026.
At 10:27, pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the committee continued its study on maintenance of activities or essential services in the federally regulated rail and marine sectors in the case of labour disruptions.
Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee considered a draft report.
It was agreed that the title “Keep Canada Moving: Labour, Management and Supply Chain in the Rail and Maritime Sectors” be given to the report adopted on May 27, 2026.
At 10:48 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Andrea Mugny
Clerk of the Committee