imagine being stranded at the airport your vacation plans shattered this could be the reality for thousands if Air Canada Pilots go on strike welcome to News Digest let's take a look at what Ottawa is doing to fuel a potential Air Canada strike just last month 5200 Pilots voted to approve a strike mandate potentially grounding 670 flights a day and affecting over 110,000 passengers this isn't the first time travel plans have been disrupted a WestJet mechanic strike in June left 110,000 people scrambling for decades government policies have protected domestic Airlines creating a duopoly with Air Canada and WestJet controlling the skies these policies have stifled competition preventing foreign carriers from operating domestic flights and limiting foreign investment in Canadian Airlines even with recent changes allowing up to 49% foreign ownership Air Canada and WestJet still dominate over 70% of the market in Europe reforms allowing any EU airline to operate within member states led to a 120% increase in flights and a 400% increase in routes the US also enjoys a more competitive air travel sector with four carriers controlling 78% of the market driving down prices and improving service if the strike happens foreign Airlines can only help with international flights leaving domestic Travelers in a bind it's time for Ottawa to stop protecting domestic Airlines and open the skies to competition let's make air travel affordable and accessible for all Canadians until next time please like And subscribe for more news to digest