Mark your calendars!
The dates for the 2025 flagship events have been set! We're already working hard with the YKA-led Conference Committee team to make this year's conference both dynamic and memorable. Please check our conference registration page for ongoing updates – they are evolving hourly. If you have any questions, including sponsorship and auction opportunities, please contact Dave Frank, executive director, at dave@bcaviationcouncil.org.
Joining us at the BCAC June 2-4 Innovation Conference 2025 Kamloops (YKA)?
Book your accommodations at our conference headquarters by end-of-day on April 14th to ensure our conference rate. We are pleading for an extension, but no guarantees! The Delta Hotels Marriott Kamloops is already sold out for the night of June 4th (wait list being taken) so reserve now while there are still rooms available. Visit the Conference Registration web page at bit.ly/BCAC25 and select the "Hotel Partner" tab for access to our reservation code. Look forward to seeing you there!
If you are staying overnight June 4th and need accommodations, check out our two year-round, network-wide hotel partners: Coast and Sandman Hotels. Also, plan to join us for casual dinner across the street from the conference at The Nobel Pig before or after you check in to continue the conversation.
P.S. Don't forget your swimsuit! The Delta Hotels Marriott Kamloops has an amazing rooftop pool and lounge for your enjoyment with a fantastic view of Kamloops. This is the location of our June 2nd Welcoming Reception.
Questions? Contact us!
Good and Productive Time had by all at 2024 Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Awards Celebration
Submitted by Guest Writer, Monte Stewart
Aviation and aerospace scholarships totaling a record $146,683 were handed out as a steady stream of recipients trekked across the stage to receive their awards.
Among the highlights, Kainoa Lamaina became the first recipient of the $20,000 Bain and Brown Scholarship, the largest financial award in the BCAC’s history, which goes to a student training to become a pilot with a Canadian airline. Lamaina is studying at Okanagan College in Kelowna.
The Bain and Brown Scholarship is named after Ted Bain and his wife, Nancy Brown. Bain is a licensed pilot and Brown is a former flight attendant. Both are grateful for the aviation industry’s influence on their lives and marriage. They met through industry connections.
Bain and Brown donated $20,000 per year for the scholarship for its first three years and have written the award into their wills, bequeathing a $2.5-million donation that will continue to impact Canadian aviation for a long time to come, thereby launching BCAC's Legacy Opportunity Program.
In accepting the award, Lamaina gave an inspiring speech about their dream of becoming a pilot and the unconditional support received from family while pursuing the quest.
Meanwhile, Dr. David Gillen, an aviation economist who has played an instrumental role in the industry’s development throughout Canada, was honoured with a BCAC Lifetime Achievement Award. BCAC Executive Director Dave Frank paid tribute to Dr. Gillen while accepting the award on behalf of his friend. Dr. Gillen was unable to attend for health reasons and, sadly, passed away a few days later. Dr. Gillen will live on in the hearts and minds of many BCAC members indefinitely and discussions are underway to establish a major graduate studies award in his name.
When awards were not being handed out, attendees enjoyed a wide array of food and beverages and many took advantage of the opportunity to have their likenesses sketched (for free) by a caricature artist who was, literally, on hand for the occasion.
To this casual observer’s eye, the event comprised another excellent organizational effort by the BCAC’s team of volunteers. A good time was had by all. Formalities aside, the informal connections made, and conversations between students, industry veterans and others, will likely prove to be beneficial in many ways well into the future.
Many students are currently submitting 2025 scholarship applications, which are accepted until May 11th midnight - an extension from the regular April 30th deadline to accommodate over $200,000 in awards. And, as many BCAC members have likely already noted, the Silver Wings Industry and Scholarship Celebration will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West again on November 14th, 2025.
(Photo/Brendan McAlpine Photography)
Introducing the BC Low Carbon Jet Fuel (LCJF) Incentive Program
The BC Low Carbon Jet Fuel Incentive Program (BC-LCJFIP) is a key initiative aimed at reducing aviation emissions in British Columbia. Launched by Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on November 18, the program encourages the early adoption of lower carbon jet fuel by offering incentives to airlines to help offset the current price premium. The program provides incentives for eligible LCJF purchases made and received at any airport in BC during the 2024, 2025, and 2026 program years.
Eligible airlines must apply to the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions within specified periods to receive credits or funding. Incentive amounts are based on the volume and type of LCJF purchased, with higher incentives for fuels with lower carbon intensity. The program aims to drive innovation, reduce emissions, and increase the availability of low carbon fuels, supporting BC's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) which has been advancing the province's low-carbon goals since 2010.
The BC-LCJFIP supports YVR's goal of achieving net zero operational emissions by 2030 and contributes to global efforts to decarbonize aviation. The success of this initiative will depend on collaboration between fuel suppliers, airlines, and airports to ensure the effective implementation and uptake of low carbon jet fuels.
For more information, please contact environment@yvr.ca
https://www.yvr.ca/en/about-yvr/environment/low-carbon-jet-fuel
(Source: YVR. Photo/Submitted)
New International Student Program regulations take effect
This Federal Government press release fails to mention that student visas were capped at about one million and then clawed back 25%. Those visas are then allocated by the Provincial Government which has imposed severe limitations on the number of offer letters a Flying School can issue. Why restrict the number of highest tuition fee paying students (commercial pilot license training alone is $125k)? Each student contributes at least $150,000 to BC's economy and undermines our province-wide 40+ Flying School industry - Dave Frank, ED, BCAC.
Canada's diverse and inclusive society, high-quality educational institutions and potential opportunities to work or immigrate after graduation have made Canada a leading destination for students from around the world. The International Student Program must be sustainable, and students must be protected from abuse within the system.
Over the past year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has taken significant steps to ensure the sustainability of the International Student Program by rooting out fraud and protecting students from bad actors and financial vulnerability. As announced in our 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada's temporary resident population will decrease over the next few years to align with our long term economic goals and strengthen the integrity and quality of our temporary resident programs.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, confirmed that new regulations impacting the International Student Program have now taken effect, including the change to the number of hours international students may work off campus that was proposed earlier this year. With this change, eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session.
Moving forward, international students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing learning institutions. This change is in line with the important work we have been doing to strengthen the integrity of the International Student Program.
Designated learning institutions (DLIs) play an important role in protecting the student program against misuse. Since 2015, IRCC has been working with DLIs to strengthen student compliance reporting. There will now be consequences for DLIs that fail to submit compliance reports or verify acceptance letters. With this change, a DLI could be suspended from welcoming new international students for up to a year for failing to provide the required information.
These improvements will provide greater oversight while supporting international students and safeguarding their academic experiences in Canada.
Quote:
"By fixing the off-campus work limit to 24 hours per week, we're striking the right balance between providing work opportunities and helping students stay focused on their education. We also expect institutions to support our efforts to preserve the integrity of the International Student Program. International students should have a positive, successful experience in Canada, and the important changes made today will help with that."
– The Honourable Marc Miller, Then Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Government of Canada
Quick facts:
- To work off campus without a work permit, international students must be studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, or a vocational training program at the secondary level offered in Quebec, that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
- International students who are eligible to work off campus may work full-time during breaks in their academic calendar, such as the summer break between school years or the winter break between semesters.
- Twice a year, designated learning institutions are expected to submit a report to IRCC that indicates whether each study permit holder associated with their school has remained enrolled. Students who are no longer enrolled can be investigated and face enforcement action, as they may be breaking their study permit conditions.
- Designated learning institutions in Quebec have not, to date, participated in student compliance reporting. It will take Quebec and IRCC some time to set up this reporting system for Quebec DLIs. As such, Quebec DLIs have a grace period before they are required to comply with the compliance reporting requirement.
- The new letter of acceptance (LOA) verification process has been a success. Since its launch on December 1, 2023, through October 6, 2024, IRCC has:
- received almost 529,000 LOAs for verification
- confirmed nearly 492,000 LOAs as valid directly with designated learning institutions (DLIs)
- identified more than 17,000 LOAs that either didn't match any LOA issued by a DLI or that the DLI had already canceled before the individual applied for a study permit
(Source: CISION, Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Photo/CBC)
Register Now! April 15, 2025: Pacific Chapter CILTNA Reception & Presentation
A conversation with Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO, Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
The Pacific Chapter of CILTNA invites you to join them for a reception and presentation by a distinguished guest speaker, Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO, Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Chair of the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council, and Chair of the Canadian Policy Council for Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA). Moderated by: Martin Crilly, Executive Member, CILTNA Pacific Chapter.
When: April 15, 2025
4:30pm – Registration
5:00pm to 7:00pm – Reception/Presentation
Where: Terminal City Club, 837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1B6
Cost: Non-Member: $75.00
Member: $60.00
Student: $50.00
About the Presenter: Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO, Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Tamara Vrooman is a transformational executive, recognized for her exemplary track record leading large, complex institutions in both the private and public sectors. In her role as President and CEO at Vancouver International Airport, Tamara has strengthened YVR’s position as a catalyst for innovation and a trailblazer in sustainability, driving towards a goal of creating a greener, more resilient future for the airport, the aviation industry, our community and the economy that supports it.
Prior to joining YVR, Tamara served for 13 years as the President and CEO of Vancity, Canada’s largest community credit union, propelling the business into a global reference point for values-based banking. Tamara was a former chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Rick Hansen Foundation. She currently serves as Simon Fraser University’s 12th Chancellor, and Chair of the Board for the Canadian Airports Council.
Tamara is a recipient of the Order of British Columbia (2019), and over the last year has accepted multiple awards for YVR, including the 2024 Skytrax Award for Best Airport in North America; the GPC Award for Excellence in Governance and Best Practices in ESG, Sustainability and Purpose; Waterstone Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture; and she has been personally named as one of British Columbia’s most influential business leaders, among many other citations.
About the Moderator: Martin Crilly, Executive Member, Pacific Chapter
Martin Crilly FCILT, retired, is immediate past board chair of Comox Airport. Earlier roles: TransLink Commissioner, appointed by the Mayors’ Council; BC Ferries Commissioner; Project Director of Greater Vancouver’s “Transport 2021” 30-year plan; President of the Western Transportation Advisory Council; 3 years’ teaching in East Africa; and 5 years as Executive Director of the Sustainable Cities Foundation, a charity. He has a Cambridge physics degree and a UBC MBA in transportation. Martin lives by the beach in Comox and enjoys his large extended family.
For more information about this event, please click here.
Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) Releases Report on Meeting NATO 2% Target
The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) supports Parliament by providing economic and financial analysis for the purposes of raising the quality of parliamentary debate and promoting greater budget transparency and accountability. With that in mind, the PBO has released a report that examines the fiscal implications of Canada’s recent commitment to meet NATO’s military spending target of 2% of GDP by 2032. According to a PBO hypothetical scenario where this target is met, defence spending would have to nearly double as compared to projections of spending for the current fiscal year (2024-2025).
Here are some highlights from the report:
- Canada has recently committed to meeting NATO’s 2% of GDP military spending target by 2032-33. According to a PBO hypothetical scenario where this target is met, defence spending would have to nearly double as compared to projections of spending for the current fiscal year (2024-25).
- DND figures released along with its new defence policy, Our North Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence, project military spending to reach 1.76% of GDP by 2029-30, but these figures are based on an erroneous GDP forecast. Adjusting for the correct GDP growth rates, military spending only reaches 1.58% of GDP by 2029-30, leaving a 0.42 percentage point gap to meet the 2% target by 2032-33.
- In the hypothetical scenario, the debt-to-GDP ratio initially remains stable before beginning a gradual decline, reaching 38.2% by 2032-33, suggesting that the government can still achieve its goal of a declining debt-to-GDP ratio despite increased military expenditures (everything else being equal - editor).
- The deficit-to-GDP ratio would be impacted more substantially over the medium term by the increased military spending, failing to reach the stated goal of 1% of GDP by 2026-27, and may exceed guidelines in the latter years of the forecast.
Click here to read the full PBO report.
(Source: Canadian Defence Review. Image/PBO)
Airport In Focus: Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the gateway to Seattle and Tacoma, Washington State, USA. The airport is owned and operated by the Port of Seattle.
All data relates to w/c November 11 2024, unless stated and was provided by OAG Schedules Analyser and CAPA - Centre for Aviation. READ MORE
(Source: Aviation Week Network. Photo/Port of Seattle)
Alberta’s Aerospace Industry Soars with Over $4.3 Million in Federal Support
Alberta’s aerospace and aviation sector is gaining momentum as a key player in economic diversification, thanks to a fresh $4.3 million federal investment. With over 500 small- and medium-sized businesses in the field, Alberta’s aerospace industry supports thousands of jobs and is increasingly essential to the province’s economic landscape.
The funding announcement, made today by George Chahal, MP for Calgary Skyview, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to advancing innovation and competitiveness in Alberta’s aerospace sector.
Among the initiatives supported by this investment, the Alberta Aviation & Aerospace Council will organize the Alberta Aerospace and Defence Conference, set to debut in Calgary May 5-7 2025 before moving to Edmonton in 2026. This event aims to connect Alberta’s small businesses with global defense procurement and investment opportunities, creating an in-person forum for networking and collaboration. (Cathy Press, BCAC Board Chair, will be speaking about the need for Canada's two dozen aviation and aerospace associations to collaborate and speak with one voice - ed.) Additionally, a mentorship program by Elevate Aviation will receive funding to provide underrepresented groups in the industry with mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities, addressing the industry’s growing demand for skilled workers.
A significant portion of the funding - over $1.4 million - has been allocated to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to establish an aerospace composite materials laboratory. The new lab will feature advanced manufacturing and testing equipment to support innovations in aircraft materials that can improve performance while reducing environmental impacts, contributing to the country’s vision for a sustainable aviation sector. Meanwhile, Sturgeon County will use its funding to produce a report and ecosystem map, which will serve as a valuable resource for identifying local suppliers and strengthening the province’s aerospace supply chain.
Finally, UVAD Technologies Inc. has been awarded $2.6 million to develop and commercialize an electric fixed-wing un-crewed aerial vehicle (UAV). This project could position Alberta as a leader in sustainable UAV technology, a sector that holds promise for applications ranging from environmental monitoring to defense.
These projects are collectively expected to benefit over 330 small- and medium-sized businesses, creating more than 360 jobs across Alberta. They are also aligned with the Government of Canada’s Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, reinforcing Alberta’s role in a sustainable, net-zero future for the Prairie provinces.
(Source: calgary.tech. Photo/Prairies Economic Development Canada)
Community Futures helps keep aviation soaring in Vanderhoof
Vanderhoof recently received the BCAC Airport of the Year Industry Award. Nominations for BCAC Industry Awards are received year round by David Nowzek, Committee Chair and Board Director - ed.
After a fire had burned down Vanderhoof Flying Service years ago, the area had little support for aviation. Co-owners of Guardian Aerospace, Bryan Wallace and Eric Stier, who were with Vanderhoof Flying Service at the time, decided to try and revive the service.
Stier says Community Futures stepped in and helped with business planning and cash flow modelling.
“That resulted in a small loan to be able to repair an aircraft and get some basic tooling set up. While we were doing that, we were also trying to get certification with Transport Canada to run a structural maintenance facility, a charter business, and a flight training school.”
Wallace added they got continued support from Community Futures, as they faced different challenges over the 20 years. He says what organizations like that do for communities like Vanderhoof are farther reaching, and it would’ve been difficult to be where they are now without them.
Aviation has a lot of history in northern BC, with Fort St. James once being the largest float plane base in the world and a high percentage of citizens becoming pilots in Vanderhoof, making a flight training school important to have.
Stier says starting a business with Community Future may seem daunting, but is necessary, equating it to an exercise program.
(Source: My PG Now, Zachary Barrowcliff. Photo/Vanderhoof Flying Club)
Supporter Profile
Air Canada reorganizes fleet, all Boeing 737 MAX planes to transfer to Rouge
Air Canada has revealed plans to consolidate its fleet which will see its entire 41-strong fleet of Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle jets being transferred to Air Canada Rouge, the mainline carrier’s wholly-owned budget subsidiary. The fleet shakeup plans were first revealed during the airline’s latest investor update call held on December 17, 2024, as reported by travel website One Mile at a Time.
Operating as the low-cost arm of Air Canada, Rouge’s primary task is operating flights on leisure-focused routes from Canada to destinations in the US, Central America, and the Caribbean Sea. The budget carrier currently operates a fleet of 39 Airbus A320-family aircraft, comprising 18 A319s, five A320s, and 16 A321s. However, under the fleet reorganization plan, Rouge is expected to inherit the entire fleet of 41 existing Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from its parent company, along with the 12 additional aircraft that the national carrier still has on order.
Air Canada has operated the Boeing 737 MAX since its first aircraft arrived from the manufacturer in December 2017. However, this era is due to come to an end by 2028, when Air Canada will no longer have the type in its fleet. Expanding on its decision to make the transfer of the planes to Rouge, Air Canada pointed out to investors that the 737 MAX has 20% lower costs per available seat flown compared to the current aging A320-family aircraft flown by Rouge, which have an average age of 17.9 years. The lower operating costs of the 737 MAX will allow Rouge to offer more competitive fares in the leisure markets in which it operates, added Air Canada.
In addition to Rouge operating the MAX jets, by 2026, the carrier intends to open an entirely new crew base at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on the west coast of Canada. According to a graphic issued by the carrier, flights from the new base will include multiple routes to exiting markets already served by Rouge from its other bases on the Canadian East Coast and will also feature flights to the Hawaiian Islands. The graphic adds that services from the base will allow for an “optimized product providing consistent seating,” although no further details were made available.
With the transfer of the MAX aircraft, the Rouge fleet will expand from the 39 aircraft operated currently to over 50, allowing for some of the older Airbus aircraft to be retired. Additionally, the MAX aircraft are likely to be reconfigured from their current layout of 169 seats (12 business class and 153 economy class) to a higher density layout, as seen on other leisure-focused MAX 8s operated around the world that typically carry around 189 passengers in a single-class configuration.
It is expected that the timing of the Boeing 737 MAX 8s leaving the Air Canada mainline fleet for Rouge will be carefully coordinated so that there is no capacity shortfall at the parent company. The company has invested heavily in the Canada-built Airbus A220-300 in recent years, with 34 already in service and 26 yet to be delivered. These seat 137 passengers in a two-class layout (12 business class and 125 in economy class). Additionally, the airline has been favoring the Airbus A321 for its medium-haul routes, of which it has 34 in service with a further 35 A321neos on order. Some of its older A319s and A320s will be phased out over the coming years as more A20s and A321neos are delivered.
Across its long-haul fleet, Air Canada will continue to focus its operations around its fleet of Airbus A330-300s (20), Boeing 777-200ERs (six), Boeing 777-300ERs (19), Boeing 787-8s (eight) and Boeing 787-9s (31). The carrier has 18 Boeing 787-10s on order, although as this type’s certification is delayed, the carrier has taken unprecedented measures by reinstating a pair of retired Boeing 767-300ERs back into service.
(Source: Aerotime. Photo/Robin Guess, Shutterstock)
BCAC Corporate Supporter Annual Fee Increase
BCAC's Corporate Supporter annual fee has been increased from $525 to $549 annually. This increase in general operating revenue supports the expansion of services provided by the Council to its Supporters.
Our annual fee will be reviewed, well, annually and increases of about the same magnitude can be expected.
Individual ($100) and Low Income Recent Graduate ($20) Supporters fees remain frozen. Due to significant investment in Supporter Management Systems, Student Supporters remain complimentary - a policy that is approaching five years old now to help tackle out industry's human Resource Needs.
Visit our amazing Travel Partners for year-round Supporter savings.
The BCAC gratefully acknowledges the Vancouver International Airport as a Pillar Partner. Thank you for your support! The Council is actively pursuing a number of additional potential Pillar Partners.
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