Yes, as my colleague indicates, those in the regions too, obviously. The response came from the government, which said “We will not put any regional money in the airline industry”.
Furthermore, the government is telling us that Air Canada manages its affairs well by cutting routes in the regions. And this is vision? I cannot believe I am hearing that.
The time has come to save an industry where jobs are well paid and all the companies that depend on it are important.
In Quebec, there is more than just Pratt & Whitney. There are a number of companies manufacturing parts and, of course, everything linked to the industry in the way of airports. All of this goes to say that the government should do more than just ask the private sector to invest in this industry.
I think the government must give this thought, examine all the options, not to allow a few to invest in this capital, but to invest directly itself by taking from the surpluses and breathing new life into the economy so that Air Canada does not end up with a monopoly.
Air Canada and regional airlines must be allowed to breathe. According to what happened recently, it seems that without new money or government investment, there is a problem.
This company has to operate and charge such a high fare in the regions that it lacks liquidity. So, if they were short of cash, just imagine how short they are now. If they are forced to use money they do not have yet, it means a cash shortfall. This is more or less what happened with Canada 3000. A cash flow problem means an industry never gets its head above water. Loan guarantees are not the only way to go.
New money is needed. That money is available. The Government of Canada has new money. They should use it as well as permit government guaranteed loans. The government should also have some strategy instead of waiting until companies go bankrupt, especially when Canadian and Quebec workers lose their jobs. This applies not only to Air Canada but to all jobs connected with this industry.