Budget 2025 Takes Flight: What It Means for Calgary's Jetsetters
On November 4, 2025, Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne unveiled "Building Canada Strong," the 2025 federal budget, proposing a hefty $115 billion over five years for major infrastructure projects, with $5 billion specifically earmarked for trade and transport.
Right here in Calgary, WestJet, a major local employer and the city's designated global connecting hub, has been vocal about aviation costs. On November 6, 2025, WestJet threw its full support behind a House of Commons report spotlighting high costs, excessive fees, and regulatory roadblocks as major hurdles for affordable air travel. WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech has consistently called for a federal review of the aviation funding model, a sentiment echoed by many Calgarians who have seen domestic flight prices soar.
The airline, headquartered right in our backyard, endorsed the report's recommendations, which include reviewing federal fees, reinvesting airport rent into infrastructure, and streamlining regulatory processes. "Addressing these costs is essential to unlocking more affordable fares and expanding access to air travel," WestJet stated. With Calgary International Airport (YYC) experiencing surges in passenger traffic and local tourism facing challenges due to high travel costs, these budget discussions hit close to home. It's clear that while federal infrastructure dollars are welcome, the push for more affordable and accessible air travel for Canadians, especially from hubs like Calgary, is far from over.
