A new Leger poll of 1,533 Canadians surveyed between 19 and 21 September reveals a divided public attitude toward the government’s proposal to place the four largest airports—Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver—under private management. While 43 % of respondents support the move, 31 % oppose it and a further 27 % remain unsure. The survey also highlights notable regional variations, with Quebec showing the highest approval at 47 %, while Saskatchewan and Manitoba register the lowest at 32 %.
Public Opinion Divides Along Regional Lines
In Quebec, nearly half of those polled back the privatisation concept, reflecting a distinct regional preference for the initiative. By contrast, the Prairie provinces are more sceptical; only a third of Albertans express support, and a similar proportion of Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents voice opposition. “I think they might be saying, ‘instead of privatising those airports, invest in more routes in our airports,’ because they’re pretty underserved,” noted Andrew Enns, executive vice‑president Central Canada at Leger.
The poll also captures a broader national pattern: the rest of the country hovers around the mid‑40 % support bracket, with opposition clustered near 30 %. Age plays a secondary role, with Canadians aged 55 and over slightly more inclined to endorse the plan (45 %) than those aged 18‑34 (39 %). However, opposition remains steady across all age groups at roughly 30 %.
Political Rationale and Federal Oversight
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled the strategy at an investment summit in Toronto last week, stating that courting private investors would allow the federal government to retain ownership of the land while still enforcing all safety regulations. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon reinforced this stance, emphasising that the airports would continue to be subject to federal oversight. Carney argued that freeing up federal funds would enable greater investment in smaller regional airports, a point that resonates with critics who worry about reduced service in less‑served areas.
The government’s messaging appears to be gaining traction in some quarters. “What I found a bit interesting is you have to look pretty hard to find policy that this prime minister has introduced, that hasn’t generated 50 % plus, 60 % plus support,” Enns observed, contrasting the airport plan with a separate Leger question on becoming an ‘associate member’ of the European Union, which garnered 70 % backing.
Regional Differences and Traveller Concerns
Enns highlighted that the Prairie provinces’ lower support may stem from frustration over routing challenges. Many Saskatchewan residents, for instance, must connect through Toronto or Calgary, prompting calls for improved domestic routes rather than privatisation. The poll suggests that a third of respondents across the three Prairie provinces are uncertain about the plan—the highest proportion of any region.
Carney indicated that revenue generated from private operator agreements could be reinvested into smaller airports, a proposal intended to address concerns about equity. Nevertheless, the poll shows that the government still faces an uphill task in convincing a majority of Canadians, as a combined 58 % either oppose or remain unsure of the privatisation effort.
Why it Matters
The outcome of this poll will shape the political viability of a flagship infrastructure agenda that promises to modernise Canada’s major gateways while supporting regional airports. A modest approval rating, coupled with significant regional and demographic splits, signals that the government must engage in extensive public consultation and clearly articulate the benefits—such as enhanced services and fiscal savings—to secure broader acceptance. Failure to do so could stall the privatisation programme, leaving the country’s largest airports in a state of limbo and potentially undermining future investment in the national aviation network.
