Thank you, Mr. Chair.
And thank you all for being here.
My first question is to Minister Strahl. This morning we heard from representatives of the Air Canada maintenance workers. There are 4,500 jobs, approximately, and we're very concerned that those jobs might be lost from Canada to a jurisdiction where the labour costs are a fraction of the level.
My understanding is that you've received assurances from Air Canada, but I think the main issue is with Aveos, the company that will have the bulk of those employees. My understanding is that the jobs in Canada are safe until the contract ends in 2013. The concern is what will happen then.
My question is, can you give assurances to those people who are all very concerned that their jobs will be secure post-2013? If necessary, would you entertain a legislative change to ensure that is the case?