The Big Five Podcast Air Canada flight attendants refuse their back to work order. Plus: The SAAQclic hearings are slated to resume this morning.
Aug 18, 2025
In this discussion, Jonathan Kalles, a former advisor to Prime Minister Trudeau and now Vice President at McMillan Vantage, teams up with Jimmy Zoubris, Special Advisor to the Mayor of Montreal. They dive into the ongoing strike by Air Canada flight attendants, examining labor rights and public sentiment. The conversation also touches on the resumption of SAAQclic hearings, exposing accountability issues within the Quebec government. Plus, they reflect on the implications of a law allowing restaurants to charge for no-shows amid concerns over customer loyalty.
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Host’s Stranded Flight From Newfoundland
- Robyn Flynn described her delayed return from Newfoundland and the stress of multiple flight delays.
- She used this personal travel experience to illustrate how the flight attendant strike left passengers stranded.
Public Sympathy Can Shift Quickly
- Jonathan Kalles noted public sympathy for flight attendants may be tied to frustration with Air Canada service.
- He warned defying court orders risks losing public support and legal standing.
Government Acted Too Fast, Says Advisor
- Jimmy Zoubris called the government's quick back-to-work order 'ridiculous' and premature.
- He argued Air Canada functions like an essential service in practice and deserved more time to negotiate.