Pilot Shortage Solved! Thank you Carney!

[Red_Comet]

"February 18, 2026—Ottawa—Canada is taking back control to return immigration to sustainable levels, while ensuring it continues to support the economy. As global competition for skilled workers intensifies, Canada’s immigration system is focused on attracting and retaining highly skilled immigrants through the International Talent Attraction Strategy.

Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the 2026 categories under the Express Entry system. This allows Canada to invite candidates with the skills and experience needed to fill critical labour gaps in key sectors and occupations.

In addition to a new category for foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience, Canada will introduce new categories for

- researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience
- candidates with work experience in transport occupations, including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors
- highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces in key roles such as military doctors, nurses and pilots"


https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-re ... ories.html

Thank you PM Carney! Elbows up!

[7ECA]

It's a new spin on an existing program, that already prioritized (via a points system) highly skilled immigrants/workers.

This is by no means a fancy new program that seeks to replace Canadian-born workers with immigrants, but it's definitely a bugbear for people who can't be bothered to read deeper than a press release.

[oldncold]

Had 2 co workers from england have to leave work permits expiring .in jan worked for 705 and a 704 These folks had master degrees atpl canada worrking owned houses late 20's speak the kings english , of the charts for points score / problem no one processimg there perm rez due to quota redduction. / freeze Meanwhile criminal gang in yvr claim refugee status be 10 yrs before they get tossed out wtf

[piedpiper]

I know a guy who had some issues at a medium 705 (bullshit managment shit, think bush operator nonsense) and because he was on LIMA had to leave Canada. Bach degree, 5000 hours and was sitting left seat in a dash. So why did he get fucked?

Either way there's no pilot shortage in Canada. It's a pay shortage. Lots of guys at 704/705s that would happlily move up to bigger airlines but why take a 100k cut from flying a metro to go be a 320FO at AC.

[cdnavater]

I know a guy who had some issues at a medium 705 (bullshit managment shit, think bush operator nonsense) and because he was on LIMA had to leave Canada. Bach degree, 5000 hours and was sitting left seat in a dash. So why did he get fucked?

Either way there's no pilot shortage in Canada. It's a pay shortage. Lots of guys at 704/705s that would happlily move up to bigger airlines but why take a 100k cut from flying a metro to go be a 320FO at AC.

Ummm, because it’s a Metro flying to butt f@#k nowhere with very little support for anything!
I have met several who left 200k plus jobs to start over at Jazz, let alone AC, how many are actually willing to stay if they were offered a job at AC?
My guess is very few would put their money where their mouth is!

[digits_]

I have met several who left 200k plus jobs to start over at Jazz, let alone AC, how many are actually willing to stay if they were offered a job at AC?
My guess is very few would put their money where their mouth is!

Pretty much anyone with an ATPL and 5000+ hours today at any of those operators would have had the chance to go to the airlines the past 5 years but chose not to. Not a huge group, but pretty significant though.

[lostav8r]

I know a guy who had some issues at a medium 705 (bullshit managment shit, think bush operator nonsense) and because he was on LIMA had to leave Canada. Bach degree, 5000 hours and was sitting left seat in a dash. So why did he get fucked?

Either way there's no pilot shortage in Canada. It's a pay shortage. Lots of guys at 704/705s that would happlily move up to bigger airlines but why take a 100k cut from flying a metro to go be a 320FO at AC.

We had a 50% jump in ATPL's and close to a 100% jump in CPL's issued since covid. There is PLENTY of supply! This lima stuff is BS

Code: Select all

Year | PPL(A) | CPL(A) | ATPL(A)
-----+--------+--------+--------
2017 | 2842 | 1345 | 641
2018 | 2749 | 1630 | 609
2019 | 3052 | 1747 | 906
2020 | 2191 | 1400 | 519
2021 | 2561 | 1513 | 475
2022 | 2251 | 1515 | 784
2023 | 2940 | 1800 | 935
2024 | 3363 | 1849 | 936
2025 | 3380 | 2039 | 985

[Me262]

I have met several who left 200k plus jobs to start over at Jazz, let alone AC, how many are actually willing to stay if they were offered a job at AC?
My guess is very few would put their money where their mouth is!

Pretty much anyone with an ATPL and 5000+ hours today at any of those operators would have had the chance to go to the airlines the past 5 years but chose not to. Not a huge group, but pretty significant though.

Many are sticking to the current companies because they are maxed out on the payscale, have the seniority to get the vacation they want and have been at the current companies since FO requirements were 5000+ hrs to get hired. But 95% of pilots who got an ATPL in the past 10 years would flock to AC/WJ/Porter/Transat. Hence why AC is treating their pilot group like crap and is the most toxic company to work with as per ALPA, since they have an unlimited supply of fresh blood to replace anyone who leaves because of their "world contract".

[oldnbold]

This will hurt every commercial pilot in Canada. Supply and demand determines the value of everything.

[piperdriver]

I know a guy who had some issues at a medium 705 (bullshit managment shit, think bush operator nonsense) and because he was on LIMA had to leave Canada. Bach degree, 5000 hours and was sitting left seat in a dash. So why did he get fucked?

Either way there's no pilot shortage in Canada. It's a pay shortage. Lots of guys at 704/705s that would happlily move up to bigger airlines but why take a 100k cut from flying a metro to go be a 320FO at AC.

Had 2 co workers from england have to leave work permits expiring .in jan worked for 705 and a 704 These folks had master degrees atpl canada worrking owned houses late 20's speak the kings english , of the charts for points score / problem no one processimg there perm rez due to quota redduction. / freeze Meanwhile criminal gang in yvr claim refugee status be 10 yrs before they get tossed out wtf

Would it have been less tragic had these individuals not possessed degrees??

[Me262]

Just in time for the future created "shortage"

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sophie-d ... =copy_link

Coincidence?

This also solves WJ's/AC's regional captain problem by successfully lobbying for this so Encore/Jazz won't have to increase the pay at all for captains.

[Red_Comet]

Just in time for the future created "shortage"

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sophie-d ... =copy_link

Coincidence?

This also solves WJ's/AC's regional captain problem by successfully lobbying for this so Encore/Jazz won't have to increase the pay at all for captains.

This shouldn't affect 705 at all if I'm reading the CARS correctly. If you've completed line indoc/PPC on 2-crew aircraft you'll meet the new ATPL skill requirements below. No other changes are included. This is just to make the ATPL live up to its name. So now to have an unrestricted ATPL you'll need all the hours as before plus a type rating on a 2-crew aircraft.

From CARS 421:

(5) Skill
(a) Within the 12 months preceding the date of application for the licence, an applicant shall demonstrate in flight or in a level C or D full flight simulator, and on the ground, familiarity with and the ability to successfully perform, as pilot-in-command of a multi-engine aeroplane (with no central thrust configuration) required to be operated with a co-pilot as defined in subsection (9), and fitted with instruments and equipment suitable for two crew IFR flight in controlled airspace:
(i) both normal and emergency flight procedures and manoeuvres appropriate to the aeroplane in which the flight test is conducted and to successfully execute all manoeuvres and procedures set forth in Division XIV for issue of a Group 1 instrument rating.
(ii) a Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) for operations under IFR in accordance with Part VII; or
(iii) a Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) or Pilot Competency Check (PCC) for operations under IFR in accordance with Subpart 604 conducted by a person designated by the Minister to conduct the flight test.
(b) An applicant who successfully completes a Line Operational Evaluation (LOE) and a Manoeuvres Validation (MV) from an approved Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) in accordance with Subpart 705 is deemed to have met the requirement of clause (5)(a)(ii).
(c) For issue of the Airline Transport Pilot Licence - Aeroplane, the Minister shall only endorse a Group 1 Instrument Rating on the licence.
(effective 2025/12/17 – NSA 2025-008)

(6) Restricted Licence
(a) Where the applicant has not completed the skill test in an aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot as specified in subsection (9), the licence shall be issued with the remark, “Skill test does not meet ICAO requirements.”
(b) Where the applicant completes the skill test in an aeroplane required to be operated with a copilot as specified in subsection (9), upon request to the Minister the remark shall be removed from the licence.

(9) Required to be Operated with a Co-Pilot
For the purpose of this section an aeroplane “required to be operated with a co-pilot” means an aeroplane requiring a pilot and co-pilot as specified in the flight manual of the aircraft, or an aeroplane operated IFR with two pilots as set out in

(a) the Company Operations Manual of the holder of an Air Operator Certificate;
(b) the Operations Manual of the holder of a Private Operator Registration Document; or 
(c) the Royal Canadian Air Force Flying Orders.

[Me262]

Just in time for the future created "shortage"

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sophie-d ... =copy_link

Coincidence?

This also solves WJ's/AC's regional captain problem by successfully lobbying for this so Encore/Jazz won't have to increase the pay at all for captains.

This shouldn't affect 705 at all if I'm reading the CARS correctly. If you've completed line indoc/PPC on 2-crew aircraft you'll meet the new ATPL skill requirements below. No other changes are included. This is just to make the ATPL live up to its name. So now to have an unrestricted ATPL you'll need all the hours as before plus a type rating on a 2-crew aircraft.

From CARS 421:

(5) Skill
(a) Within the 12 months preceding the date of application for the licence, an applicant shall demonstrate in flight or in a level C or D full flight simulator, and on the ground, familiarity with and the ability to successfully perform, as pilot-in-command of a multi-engine aeroplane (with no central thrust configuration) required to be operated with a co-pilot as defined in subsection (9), and fitted with instruments and equipment suitable for two crew IFR flight in controlled airspace:
(i) both normal and emergency flight procedures and manoeuvres appropriate to the aeroplane in which the flight test is conducted and to successfully execute all manoeuvres and procedures set forth in Division XIV for issue of a Group 1 instrument rating.
(ii) a Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) for operations under IFR in accordance with Part VII; or
(iii) a Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) or Pilot Competency Check (PCC) for operations under IFR in accordance with Subpart 604 conducted by a person designated by the Minister to conduct the flight test.
(b) An applicant who successfully completes a Line Operational Evaluation (LOE) and a Manoeuvres Validation (MV) from an approved Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) in accordance with Subpart 705 is deemed to have met the requirement of clause (5)(a)(ii).
(c) For issue of the Airline Transport Pilot Licence - Aeroplane, the Minister shall only endorse a Group 1 Instrument Rating on the licence.
(effective 2025/12/17 – NSA 2025-008)

(6) Restricted Licence
(a) Where the applicant has not completed the skill test in an aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot as specified in subsection (9), the licence shall be issued with the remark, “Skill test does not meet ICAO requirements.”
(b) Where the applicant completes the skill test in an aeroplane required to be operated with a copilot as specified in subsection (9), upon request to the Minister the remark shall be removed from the licence.

(9) Required to be Operated with a Co-Pilot
For the purpose of this section an aeroplane “required to be operated with a co-pilot” means an aeroplane requiring a pilot and co-pilot as specified in the flight manual of the aircraft, or an aeroplane operated IFR with two pilots as set out in

(a) the Company Operations Manual of the holder of an Air Operator Certificate;
(b) the Operations Manual of the holder of a Private Operator Registration Document; or 
(c) the Royal Canadian Air Force Flying Orders.

as pilot-in-command of a multi-engine aeroplane

I'm reading this as having to upgrade. No company will just give you a PIC PPC format just so you can tick a box for yourself and stay an FO. Unless you pay it out of pocket.

[Red_Comet]

Good catch, if that's the case it's a massive change. Would need clarification, but based on what I've heard it's just any type rating/PPC. This would make a TC ATPL much harder to get than even the FAAs dreaded 1500 HR rule.

Also, keep in mind that per (6) they will still issue the ATPL license but with a restriction. So in that case, you'd be restricted until you complete your PIC upgrade, at which point you'll get a new sticker.

(6) Restricted Licence
(a) Where the applicant has not completed the skill test in an aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot as specified in subsection (9), the licence shall be issued with the remark, “Skill test does not meet ICAO requirements.”
(b) Where the applicant completes the skill test in an aeroplane required to be operated with a copilot as specified in subsection (9), upon request to the Minister the remark shall be removed from the licence.

[philaviate]

Good catch, if that's the case it's a massive change. Would need clarification, but based on what I've heard it's just any type rating/PPC. This would make a TC ATPL much harder to get than even the FAAs dreaded 1500 HR rule.

Also, keep in mind that per (6) they will still issue the ATPL license but with a restriction. So in that case, you'd be restricted until you complete your PIC upgrade, at which point you'll get a new sticker.

(6) Restricted Licence
(a) Where the applicant has not completed the skill test in an aeroplane required to be operated with a co-pilot as specified in subsection (9), the licence shall be issued with the remark, “Skill test does not meet ICAO requirements.”
(b) Where the applicant completes the skill test in an aeroplane required to be operated with a copilot as specified in subsection (9), upon request to the Minister the remark shall be removed from the licence.

But isn't that talking about the plane, not whether the PPC was done as PIC or FO?
So that to me means you did a PIC PPC, but in a single pilot plane.

Not doing a PPC in a multi crew only plane, but as FO.

I think they have messed up here and made a chicken/egg situation. You need an ATPL to get the PIC job, but you won't get the PIC PPC until you've got the atpl and the job.... Unless I'm reading it wrong.

[Red_Comet]

Yes, which means it's the old MIFR flight test requirement they are referencing. It seems they took the wording from the old MIFR flight test requirement and combined with the PPC requirement, which is what's causing the confusion.

So the reasonable interpretation is:

- MIFR flight test in a non 2-crew twin results in a restricted ATPL (old skill requirement)
- PPC/Type rating in a 2-crew twin results in unrestricted ATPL

I highly doubt it requires a PIC PPC, but you never know with TC. We'll find out soon enough I'm sure once more FOs apply for their ATPLs.