Mr. Speaker, private companies must be accountable, unlike the government. They respond to the bottom line.
WestJet is one of the few airlines worldwide to maintain profitability in the post-September 11 environment. Its stock was hammered on the Toronto Stock Exchange over the past few days. Why? Because WestJet's president and CEO announced a revision of their economic projections and said that the air traveller's security charge has probably had the greatest impact in causing travellers to avoid short trips. Taxes are up. Air travel is down. There is a link.
The government refuses to listen to stakeholders. Why will it not axe the tax?