‘The PM’s on fire’: Ford praises Pearson privatization, wants same approach for Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has been at the centre of political debate with past disputes over runway expansion and development.
Premier Doug Ford has shown his full backing for the federal government's plan to privatize major Canadian airports, indicating a desire to apply the same strategy to Toronto's Billy Bishop airport. Ford spoke at a Toronto press conference on Wednesday, in response to Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposal to maintain ownership while allowing for private investment and operations at four of Canada's largest airports, including Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Ford commended Carney, saying, "I have to give credit where credit is due: the PM is on fire." He asserted that the federal government should extend this approach to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, a facility he believes should be privatized. The federal plan involves exploring private-sector involvement at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Montréal‑Trudeau International Airport, and Calgary International Airport.
Ford referenced Billy Bishop as a "shovel-ready" project, suggesting it could generate $5 to $7 billion in private investment without taxpayer cost, creating numerous jobs. Ford expressed confidence in "more effective, more efficient airports" and backed the prime minister's decision, stating he supports it 1,000 percent. He also mentioned his belief in the market's role in determining the best outcomes, emphasizing the importance of competition.
Written by urgent.news from CityNews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
