Evidence of meeting #12 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was airlines.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Bloc
Xavier Barsalou-Duval Bloc Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC
Since I had some time left at the end of my last turn and Mr. Sidhu did not use all his time, I would like to take the floor, Mr. Chair.
Bloc
Xavier Barsalou-Duval Bloc Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
My question is for Mr. Perry, from the Air Line Pilots Association.
At the end of last week, I read in La Presse a very touching letter to the editor from Bradley Small. He piloted the Prime Minister's plane during his election campaign. In his letter, he mentions that he got to know the Prime Minister and appreciate him, and that he voted for him at the last election. However, he has come to the point of saying the following to him:
Today, you are showing contempt for us, blaming us and humiliating us. You have left us completely stranded.
I will also read you the end of his letter because it touches us:
I don't know whether I'll still have a job a month from now. I don't know if my employer will be able to survive. I don't know how many of my colleagues will have lost their homes and their retirement savings at the end of this. But I do know one thing, your inaction won't be forgotten.
Is Mr. Small's sentiment in line with yours and that of your members who are in the same situation?
Liberal
Bloc
Capt Tim Perry
I am aware of the very heartfelt letter that was written to the Prime Minister. I think his thoughts and feelings characterize the thoughts and feelings of basically my entire membership. Everyone, all the pilots, through their union and engagement, have been doing what we believe is their end of the bargain. They've been working through a very difficult and trying time, and there is very little in the way of certainty for their professional future and the future of the industry in which they are invested.
I'm aware that they are aware of the promises that have been made about support for this industry, and they are wondering where it is.
It does characterize the thoughts and feelings very much of our membership broadly.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Vance Badawey
Thank you.
To all the witnesses, thank you sincerely for your time today. There is no question that we do find ourselves in a challenging time, not just within this sector, but in many sectors throughout the country. I am sure everyone can appreciate that we are all working together, all 338 members. Regardless of party, we are all working together to ensure that Canadians' backs are looked after.
Members, as well, I want to congratulate you and thank you for your interventions today.
Hopefully, we'll be taking a lot of the input we have received throughout this study and, of course, as Mr. Dias alluded to, using this for building back better.
We do recognize that the past is no longer the norm. It is what we're living today as well as what we are going to be into in the post-pandemic recovery in terms of finding new ways, better ways to ensure that Canadians are well looked after.
With that, I do thank all of you who participated in today's meeting, and we look forward to the next meeting.
Have a great evening.
I will adjourn this meeting, and we'll see you back here on Thursday.