The British Columbia government’s new regulations that mandate producers of jet fuel to include sustainable aviation fuel in their available supply are two things. It is a progressive step in the energy transition towards a greener future, and it is also likely going to make air travel, especially in Western Canada, even more prohibitively expensive for middle-class travellers.

Like everything else affected by the cost-of-living crisis, inflationary effects will almost always be borne by the consumer.

The costs of food, monthly rents and other most basic and essential necessities have increased dramatically since 2019. Costs for the average basket of groceries in Canada has surged by roughly 40 per cent in the past three years, while nominal wages are expected to grow by less than three per cent in 2024, and real wages are 2.4 per cent lower than the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

Renting an apartment in cities like Vancouver has jumped from $706 between 2019 and 2024. British Columbians are financially stressed, with one survey finding that one in three British Columbians are considering leaving the province due to the cost of living. Small towns in B.C. have seen an influx of young residents leaving the commercial centre of Vancouver.

For those who need to travel faster than a car, airlines are their lifeline for getting around from places like Fort St. John or Prince George to Vancouver or Calgary. Unfortunately, smaller and often more affordable carriers have a long history of short lifespans........

© BIV