Mr. Speaker, the member said that the number one issue on people's minds was whether the process was fair. On August 13 the minister announced a 90-day window of negotiation during which he would receive proposals to restructure the industry.
On day one the law of the land was and still is that the maximum that anybody could own of Air Canada was 10%. Two days ago, with only 16 days left in the process, he has announced that he may change that regulation to allow any bid to maybe considerably more of the company.
Considering it is a standard operating procedure for government to call for proposals and give a window of opportunity to receive them, does the member feel it is fair for the minister to change the rules with only 16 days left when obviously nobody else has an opportunity to put together such a comprehensive plan that is required for the issue?
I like the member's referral to the dominant monopoly carrier. It is very appropriate. When the minister asked the Competition Bureau to review the industry, he did not ask it to look at all possible options, he said “Just look at my favourite option,” the dominant monopoly carrier theory”. Does the member feel that was fair?