WestJet’s Inaugural Flight from Quebec More Than Transportation Milestone – High Commissioner

WestJet’s inaugural flight from Québec into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, on December 6, is seen by Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Mark Berman, as more than a transportation milestone.

According to Mr. Berman, it is a tangible sign of a durable, forward-looking partnership that aims to sustain Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa and to deepen ties across business, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

“It should also be viewed as a milestone in a broader strategy to diversify Jamaica’s international connectivity and to expand the circle of prosperity shared with Canada,” he told JIS News in an interview.

Mr. Berman, who also spoke with industry stakeholders and local officials following the flight’s arrival, also tied the moment to a broader national objective – build a long-term relationship that endures beyond urgent relief and geared towards sustained growth.

“It’s an ongoing friendship and mutual support,” the High Commissioner added, describing a relationship grounded in trust and practical collaboration across governance, the economy, and social development.

Beyond disaster response, he noted daily exchanges – educational partnerships, cultural programmes, and governance cooperation – that benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic.

He also cited examples of joint training programmes for emergency responders, exchanges between Jamaican scholars and Canadian universities, and cultural initiatives that celebrate shared heritage, while encouraging innovation and creativity in both countries.

The High Commissioner added that in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the goal is to forge an even stronger bond between the two nations… to build stronger ties across sectors.

“The aim is resilient growth that incorporates climate resilience, sustainable development, and inclusive opportunities for Jamaica’s citizens and Jamaica’s diaspora in Canada,” he said.

“Quebec City is also very welcoming. The hope also is that Jamaicans can make Quebec a part of their vacation plans,” the High Commissioner said.

Mr. Berman noted that the inaugural WestJet service is more than a symbol but one that restores a direct, reliable link that Jamaica and Canada view as essential for tourism, investment, and cross-border collaboration.

He said that expanded air service is expected to help reopen trade corridors, diversify Jamaica’s visitor base, and facilitate the movement of talent and ideas between the two countries.