VICTORIA, BC: Conservative MLAs are raising serious concerns about the NDP’s new Low Carbon Fuel Standard for aviation, set to take effect January 1, 2026. The policy would make British Columbia the only jurisdiction in North America to impose such a mandate on airlines, with significant consequences for travellers, airports, and key sectors of the provincial economy.
Under the new rules, airlines will face steep increases in fuel costs, which industry experts warn will translate directly into higher ticket prices, fewer flight options, and reduced air service into B.C. The shift is expected to undermine the competitiveness of B.C. airports and push travellers and carriers to nearby U.S. airports instead.
“Airlines are warning that a one-way flight to Calgary could go up by as much as seventy dollars,” said MLA Peter Milobar, Finance Critic. “Families are already struggling with high costs, and now the NDP is about to make travel even more expensive. This government is completely out of touch with the realities British Columbians are facing.”
Experts are also warning that the mandate will disrupt the province’s transportation network, leading to fewer routes and decreased connectivity.
“International carriers are openly considering shifting flights to Bellingham and Seattle to avoid the NDP’s added fuel costs,” said MLA Trevor Halford, Transportation Critic. “If airlines start diverting across the border, we lose routes, we lose economic activity, and we lose our competitive edge. The NDP is putting our airports and our transportation infrastructure at risk.”
Tourism leaders have also raised alarms that higher ticket prices and reduced air access will harm one of British Columbia’s most vital economic engines.
“Tourism depends on reliable, affordable air travel,” said Scott McInnis, Critic for Tourism and Resort Municipalities. “Raising ticket prices will shrink visitor numbers, undermine small businesses, and hurt resort communities that rely on tourism spending. This mandate is economically irresponsible and will harm families, workers, and communities across the province.”
The Conservatives are calling on the government to immediately repeal the aviation portion of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard before lasting damage is done.
“My Private Members’ Bill can be debated and passed before the end of the session this week, and it should. Climate policy should not come at the expense of workers, families, and our transportation and tourism sectors,” Milobar said. “The government needs to reverse course before this mandate causes irreversible harm.”
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Media Contact:
Ryan Painter
Communications
Ryan.Painter@leg.bc.ca
