In the face of recent service cuts and general passenger and industry disillusionment – and a claim that Canada is “years behind” other countries when it comes to digital border solutions – a new coalition of travel and business leaders has joined together with the goal of ensuring that Toronto Pearson remains “a global beacon of air travel.”

The 15-plus member “Innovate. Travel. Canada.” (“ITC”) coalition includes representatives from Destination Toronto, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), plus leaders in sectors ranging from events and tourism to business and city building.

The group says it will advocate for enhancements to air travel through Toronto Pearson and other airports across Canada through long-term innovative and technology-based initiatives.

“Air travel in Canada has faced significant challenges restarting business following COVID-19 pandemic. The GTAA is committed to advocating for a better travel experience for international and local travellers through Toronto Pearson and other Canadian airports,” said GTAA president and CEO Deborah Flint.

At a press conference hosted at Toronto Pearson late last week, a group of ITC members, including Flint, Rocco Rossi (President and CEO of Ontario Chamber of Commerce), and Scott Beck (President and CEO of Destination Toronto), declared the coalition’s first policy objective: the rapid rollout of an expanded Canadian trusted-traveller program, and government’s commitment to expedite digital solutions at borders to ensure seamless traffic through Canadian airports.

Secondary initiatives include enhanced digitization processes at the border and Canadian involvement in the Global Entry program.

Flint declared, “ITC is encouraging the federal government to rapidly roll out an expanded trusted traveller program to streamline pre-board screening, digitize cross-border travel and make it easier to arrive.”

“Trusted-traveller programs have been implemented worldwide. They provide a safe and efficient way to clear low-risk travellers and offer a quick solution for reducing lines at airport security,” added Ontario Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rocco Rossi.

The ITC says it recognizes that the implementation of an opt-in and Canadian-led trusted-traveller program that would reduce security inspection of shoes and laptops and allow more passengers to be safely vetted, is on the government’s radar, however, the coalition is urging the federal government to expedite expansion of the program.

“Canada is years behind its peer countries in the G7 and G20 in implemented digital solutions at the border. Now is the time for Canada to announce the rapid rollout of an expanded Canadian-led trusted-traveller program,” said Rossi

To that end the GTAA and ITC says the federal government should introduce a new national program to begin as soon as this summer of 2023, claiming that Budget 2023 is “an excellent opportunity for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to tackle these issues head-on.”

“Toronto is a city on the world stage, with a stellar reputation in the area of technology. It’s vital that our airport reflects that reputation,” said Scott Beck, President and CEO of Destination Toronto. “To continue attracting globally relevant meetings, conferences, concerts, and sporting events, we must work together to innovate and transform the experience for the traveller.”