Thank you for your question. I am familiar with the background to the Air Canada file and know it was previously a crown corporation. When the federal government decided to privatize it, Air Canada was already required to provide its services in both official languages. The government said that it was privatizing it but that it had to continue serving Canadians in both official languages. This matter dates back to then. I believe Air Canada must absolutely continue serving its clientele in both official languages. As to whether I would be in favour of WestJet, for example, being subject to the same regulations, I would say that would be a good sign.
I think that, for us to live as Canadians, as citizens of a country with two official languages, we must take proactive measures. I would welcome that kind of proactive measure being implemented, provided it was done over a five-year period to avoid unduly penalizing commercial companies. Companies want a certain amount of time in which to put measures in place. Transitory measures could be implemented. Whatever the case may be, the idea would be to ensure that the air carrier system became fully bilingual in 5 to 10 years. I would entirely agree with that.
I have also heard certain individuals say—and that would have been hearsay in other cases—that Air Canada should no longer have to provide its services in both official languages. I think that would be utterly absurd and unacceptable. I sincerely think that. Since I no longer work at the House of Commons, I may be somewhat partisan. I nevertheless think that a government that allowed that would be shooting itself in the foot. Canadians want to be served in both official languages. The idea is not to regress by eliminating service in both languages.
I have no objection to this bilingualism measure being applied to all airlines.