Mr. Speaker, I am not trying to promote any airline. The member confuses foreign investment and 10% rules in domestic markets.
I do not agree with the 25% foreign limit. That should be open as well. There are other Canadian controls in place that would allow it. They have been used in other areas.
We cannot confuse a 10% limit in a domestic investment with a 25% limit in a foreign investment market. The member is confused.
The member says that the Canadian government has tried to support Canadian, and I will not argue that. But if he is trying to suggest that there has been a level playing field, then he is way out to lunch.
Air Canada was a government owned airline. Air Canada had the taxpayers build it tarmacs, hangars and provide it with equipment. Until 1979 Air Canada controlled 75% of the continental traffic. It was controlled by legislation for Air Canada. It had a preferred airline status until 1979 and beyond. Canadian taxpayers made it possible for it to operate in a somewhat efficient manner and it not need government help to the same degree that Canadian did.
I would argue that both of our Canadian airlines are under heavy competition with the U.S. because of high fuel taxes, high airport fees and other high costs imposed upon them by the Canadian government and the Canadian economy which the Americans do not have.
I would suggest that the member's comments which imply that Canadian is getting favoured status do not acknowledge that Air Canada has been a favoured airline for generations in this country. There never has been a level playing field.