The Green Party is voicing strong opposition to any plans that would bring jets to Billy Bishop Airport, citing serious concerns around air and noise pollution, the threat to Toronto’s waterfront, and the incompatibility with national climate goals.

Gord Rand, who lives in and is running to represent the Spadina—Harbourfront community, emphasized that the people most affected by this decision—local residents—are not being heard.

“Jets have no place in downtown Toronto,” said Rand. “This airport is already congested, and its location at the foot of Bathurst Street means there’s limited room for any expansion. The people who live here don’t want louder, more polluting air traffic invading their homes. We should be investing in clean, quiet transportation—like high-speed rail—not pouring money into extending runways that serve the few at the cost of the many.”

Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May pointed to the broader environmental stakes of the issue. She warned that adding more short-haul jet flights would worsen Canada’s already fragile emissions profile.

“This isn’t just about noise or inconvenience—it’s about climate leadership,” said May. “Short-haul flights, like those between Toronto and Montreal or Windsor, are among the worst polluters per kilometre because most of the fuel is burned during takeoff and landing. Expanding jet access at Billy Bishop would only increase emissions when we should be doing everything in our power to reduce them.”

The Greens argue that there are better alternatives that support the public interest while aligning with environmental goals. Chief among them is the long-discussed high-speed rail corridor that would connect cities from Windsor to Quebec City, dramatically cutting emissions from short flights and car travel.

“We need bold, forward-looking infrastructure,” said Jonathan Pedneault, Green Party Co-Leader. “Rather than expanding airports in city centres, we should be championing a high-speed rail corridor—a project that would deliver huge climate, economic, and social benefits for Canadians. This is the green future we should be building, not doubling down on outdated, polluting air travel.”

While the Green Party acknowledges there may not yet be widespread political appetite to close the Toronto Island Airport entirely, it maintains that jet expansion must be off the table. The Party supports policies that reduce intercity air travel, protect community livability, and preserve Canada’s urban waterfronts.

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For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca

Rod Legget

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications

613-203-1524

media@greenparty.ca

“The future looks bleak. And I have two kids. But the Green Party has, in its DNA, the bold vision—and the will—to change that future for the better,” said Gord Rand. “We need leaders who are unafraid to stand up to corporate interests, protect our environment, and fight for a more livable, sustainable city.”

Rand has spent more than thirty years in the arts, performing on stages and screens around the world. In addition to his career as a storyteller, he has been a climate activist since the age of 15 and currently serves as a reform councillor in ACTRA, advocating for greater creative autonomy for Canada’s cultural workers. He is also a co-founder of Artists for Real Climate Action, a group that uses satirical filmmaking to highlight the climate emergency. Their web series, The Big Oil Alliance, is available on YouTube.

“Gord is a fighter—someone who understands that creativity and activism go hand in hand when it comes to inspiring change,” said Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault. “His dedication to climate action, his commitment to public service, and his fearless advocacy make him the perfect candidate to represent Spadina—Harbourfront.”

As a candidate, Rand is committed to protecting Toronto’s waterfront, including fighting for sewer revitalization to prevent increased flooding and pollution in Lake Ontario, calling for a full audit of the MegaSpa project, and ensuring any waterfront developments significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

“Gord Rand brings a much-needed voice to this campaign—one that challenges the status quo and demands better for our environment and our communities,” said Green Party co-leader Elizabeth May. “His passion, creativity, and leadership will be invaluable in the fight for a greener, fairer future.”

Spadina—Harbourfront deserves a representative who will fight for the environment, for our communities, and for future generations. Gord Rand is ready to bring that fight to Ottawa.”

#####

For more information or to arrange an interview : 

Fabrice Lachance Nové

Press secretary

514-463-0021

media@greenparty.ca

Rod Legget

Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications

613-203-1524

media@greenparty.ca