Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It is slightly arrogant to presume that Air Canada would have only complaints from its passengers regarding its two official languages. I propose many would probably also like to let the commissioner know what a great job they are doing. Therefore, perhaps we should include a congratulation form along with the complaint form.
Air Canada is Canada's largest airline and flag carrier. The airline, founded in 1936, provides scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo in 178 destinations worldwide. Its largest hub is Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario. Its main base is Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Quebec. Air Canada is the world's seventh largest passenger airline by fleet size, and the airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, an alliance of 26 member airlines formed in 1997. Air Canada's corporate headquarters are located in the Saint-Laurent area of Montreal, Quebec, in the riding of Mr. Dion, a member and the past leader. I wonder also if he consulted with Mr. Dion before proposing such a motion that will affect a national federally regulated company whose headquarters are in a Liberal riding.
In any case, Mr. Chair, Air Canada had passenger revenues of $9.7 billion in 2008, and the airline's parent company is the publicly traded firm, Aviation Holdings. I would like to remind the committee that Canada's national airline originated from--