Nav Canada cuts in Whitehorse not warranted, says minister

Yukon's highways and public works minister says he'll work with NavCanada to try to prevent any cuts to air traffic control services in Whitehorse, saying such cuts aren't warranted.

"At first blush, this government does not support such measures being taken by NavCanada, and we will certainly communicate that to NavCanada,"Richard Mostyn said in the legislative assembly on Wednesday.

NavCanada, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, is considering cutting air traffic controllerjobs at seven towers across Canada in an effort to save money as the global health crisis continues to drag downair traffic.

CBC News obtained an internal memo from Nav Canadapresident and CEO Neil Wilson informing staff that the not-for-profit company which operates Canada's civil air navigation system is conducting studies of air traffic control towers in Whitehorse,Regina,Fort McMurrayin Alberta, Prince George in B.C., and Sault Ste. Marieand Windsor in Ontario, which "will result in workforce adjustments."

That prompted Yukon NDP MLA Liz Hanson to press the territorial government to explain what it was doing to prevent any cuts in Whitehorse.

"The fact is that safe air traffic management depends on the air traffic controllers in the tower," Hanson said.

"What is this government doing, actually doing, to ensure that Whitehorse airport maintains its level of safety for all pilots flying in and out of our airport?"

Mostyn said he's not surprisedto hear that Nav Canada is looking for ways to cut costs during the pandemic.

He said his department is currently "in conversation" with NavCanada and assessing the issue.

"I don't support cuts to NavCanada, NavCanada's flight staff, andfrankly, Mr. Speaker, I don't think it's warranted," Mostyn said in the legislature.

"Our aviation industry, oncethis pandemic is dealt with, is going to rebound in a way that will be absolutely glorious. And I look forward to those days, andwe need those staff in the tower when that happens."