Mr. Speaker, thanks to the exceptional spirit of partnership between representatives of private enterprise and labour, the air traffic navigation and control system is being handed over today to NavCanada.
This new private non-profit corporation, which owes its existence to our government, paid $1.5 billion to take over ownership of Canada's air traffic control system.
The appearance of NavCanada will make possible improved safety in air transportation, since the Department of Transport will now oversee the work of a private enterprise, instead of its own work, as was previously the case.
The 6,200 federal government employees will keep their jobs, but as of this morning are employed by the private sector. This is another fine example of the economic possibilities offered by partnership between private enterprise, workers and the government.