February 2, 2026
Brothers and Sisters:
As we reflect on 2025, I want to provide an update on AMFA’s continued advocacy and engagement on behalf of our Canadian membership. This year, our efforts remained focused on protecting the interests of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs), strengthening aviation safety, and ensuring that your voice is represented at the highest levels of government.
In June and October, AMFA leadership traveled to Ottawa to meet directly with senior federal officials. We held productive discussions with Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon, Deputy Minister of Labour Sandra Hassan, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of Labour Leslie Church. These meetings allowed us to clearly communicate AMFA’s priorities, including fair representation, workforce stability, and the critical role AMEs play in maintaining aviation safety across Canada.
During these visits, we also met with Transportation Safety Board of Canada Director of Investigations Craig Johnston. Our discussion focused on establishing a constructive way forward for cooperation between AMFA and the TSB during aircraft events involving carriers represented by AMFA. Ensuring that the expertise of frontline maintenance professionals is appropriately considered during safety investigations is essential to achieving meaningful and lasting safety improvements.
AMFA further engaged with Transport Canada senior officials, meeting with Jennifer Little, Director General of Air Policy, and her colleagues. These conversations addressed aviation policy, regulatory oversight, and the importance of policies that reflect real-world maintenance operations and support a strong, skilled AME workforce.
In November, AMFA was proud to sponsor the 2025 National Aircraft Maintenance Skills Competition in Toronto. On behalf of AMFA, we invited Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli to attend. Secretary of State Zerucelli delivered the opening speech and remarks, then took time to observe the competition firsthand. His presence highlighted the value of skilled trades and provided an important opportunity to showcase the professionalism, technical excellence, and pride of Canada’s AMEs.
Looking forward, AMFA will continue pressing the federal government to respect the democratic choice made by the AMEs of Air Canada. These professionals voted to be represented by AMFA, yet the IAM continues to interfere with the transition process by filing meritless and obstructive legal actions. AMFA remains committed to ensuring that the will of the AMEs is honoured and that their chosen representation—one that truly reflects their class and craft—is fully recognized. We have written to Secretary of State Zerucelli to raise AMFA’s concern, and also to newly appointed Deputy Minister of Labour Rob Wright to request an opportunity to meet.
AMFA also remains firmly opposed to any tariffs between Canada and the United States that involve aircraft or aircraft parts. Such measures threaten supply chains, maintenance operations, and aviation safety on both sides of the border. AMFA has formally communicated these concerns in writing and will continue advocating against policies that harm our profession and the industry as a whole.
Please stay tuned for further updates throughout the year from Local 605.
In Solidarity,
Robert R. Cush
Director of Government Affairs
