Thank you very much, Mr. Chair and committee members, for inviting me to contribute to the committee's study of the impact of COVID-19 on Canada's transport sector.
I deeply respect the work of this committee. I spend many hours in physical and virtual committee rooms like this, and I know the importance of the work that is being done in them. It is an honour to appear before you for the first time as Minister of Transport, and I look forward to working with you to improve Canada's transportation system.
Since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Transport Canada has worked with the transportation sector to introduce a layered system of measures and guidance to protect Canadians and those working in the transportation and shipping sectors.
Recently, in an effort to further curb the spread of the virus and its new variants into Canada, we added new rules on international travel. Under these new rules, all international passenger flights must now land at one of Canada's four largest airports. Air travellers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test before boarding an international flight to Canada. Upon arrival, they must take another COVID-19 molecular test and reserve a room in a hotel approved by the Government of Canada for three nights at their own expense while awaiting the test results. In addition, the government and Canada's airlines have agreed to suspend all flights to and from Mexico and Carribean countries until April 30 of this year. These measures have been informed by the latest science and data as well as the guidance of public health agencies.
The Government of Canada knows that the pandemic is also disproportionately affecting remote and northern communities, which depend on small air carriers for essential services. That is why we have announced funding of up to $191.3 million for provinces and territories to ensure that remote, fly-in communities continue to receive essential supplies.
To help mitigate the decline in business at Canadian airports, we've also provided rent relief for the 21 airport authorities that have ground leases with the federal government. Most recently, through the fall economic statement, an additional $1.1 billion in financial support for the air sector was announced. This will be provided through a series of targeted measures designed to support regional connectivity, critical infrastructure investments and the continued operation of Canada's airports.
As we look to the future, we know that a strong and competitive air transport industry is vital for Canada's economic recovery. Allow me to address what I know is on the minds of many Canadians, particularly those working in the aviation sector. The sector has some of the world's best-trained and committed employees. I know many are anxious and frustrated about the fact that negotiations on financial help for the sector have not yet concluded. To those Canadians who have written to me, know that I'm acutely aware of the toll this crisis has taken on your lives. COVID restrictions have dramatically and negatively impacted the sector. Nobody wants a return to pre-COVID normalcy for the sector more than me.
That being said, I'm also aware that any financial assistance package needs to address the concerns of Canadians more broadly. We have to consider the matter of refunds for air travellers who purchased tickets but were unable to use them due to COVID and the issues of communities that have lost regional flights connecting them to the rest of the country. We therefore have a responsibility to take the time necessary to reach an agreement with the airlines that will be broadly supported by Canadians. That depends on all parties at the table. It is also in everyone's interest that we do so.
Among the other tasks outlined in my mandate letter, I've been asked to promote Canada's green and innovative aerospace sector, sustain regional air infrastructure, support regional economic development and enable growth in other key sectors such as tourism.
In addition, I will work with my colleagues to make sure that we put in place recommendations in response to the PS752 tragedy. I have personally met with the families on many occasions and remain committed to supporting them and doing everything we can so that a similar tragedy never happens again.
Finally, the Prime Minister has made it clear that I must continue to make progress on the commitments laid out in Minister Garneau's 2019 mandate letter. I look forward to building on the excellent work of Minister Garneau.
Colleagues, this is just a quick summary of the work that is ahead of us. Thank you once again for giving me the time to appear before you.
Before I hand it back over to you, Mr. Chair, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to officials within the Department of Transport and to staff within the minister's office who have been working tirelessly to support me over the last four weeks since my appointment to make sure that I'm up to speed and ready for the work ahead.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
