caaa and Covid-19

March 26, 2020

 Dear Members,

 Our country, and the world, is facing truly extraordinary times. As an Association we have heard from Operators and members who have expressed concerns not only for the health and welfare of their employees but also for the financial future of their companies. Many operators are currently feeling an extreme burden when the focus should be on training and preparations for the coming 2020 spray season. 

Operators have incurred costly maintenance on their aircraft and paid staff wages throughout the winter months anticipating a busy 2020 spray season. Virtually all operators are now financially exposed because of the crisis we find ourselves facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic comes at the most venerable time of the year for Operators and leaves Operators with the uncertainty of canceled bookings and contracts.

 The CAAA has been in communication with Provincial and Federal governments at the Ministerial level to ensure that aerial application is considered part of Canada’s essential services and operations are not affected for the 2020 season. The government acknowledges that aviation has been one of the most adversely affected industries and we are working to ensure that all Economic Stimulus plans, put forth by our governments, recognize the vital role aerial application plays in Canadian agriculture and forestry sectors.

 CAAA has sent letters to Agriculture and Health Ministers at the federal and provincial levels clarifying our role as an essential service. As we move forward in our communication with the government(s), we will work to keep our membership informed. If you are experiencing or expecting to experience, financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic please review the government’s current response to the financial hardship for Canadian businesses through this link.

 Please do not hesitate to contact the CAAA office with any questions or comments.

Stay healthy,

Darren Tiede
CAAA President