Right now, the new system proposed by the bill provides for the involvement of the Competition Bureau, but also for clear authorization by Transport Canada.
The Competition Bureau will be involved and competition-related issues will be raised. However, the public policy principle means to consider the broader interests of air infrastructure development and the potential that those agreements can have.
We are convinced that the finest expertise in the matter is at Transport Canada, and the Competition Bureau, of course. However, given the fundamental importance of those joint ventures for the development of the Canadian industry, the department must consider the broader interests. Transport Canada is mandated to weigh all the factors and make good decisions.
There are statutory review mechanisms to ensure there is monitoring and conditions for authorization in place, to see what the outcome might be for consumers, among other things.