David Collenette

[Airline Industry, October 27th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, in the discussions that we have had with various stakeholders, including the airlines, at no time was it ever suggested that their needs were to have an injection of foreign capital over the 25% limit. We have rejected increasing the limit over 25% because this government absolutely and fundamentally believes that the airline industry in Canada must be effectively controlled by Canadians.

[Air Transportation, October 27th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, if I had not made a commitment on behalf of the government yesterday to consider raising the 10% limit, that would have favoured one other proposition. I certainly would have been biased in that case.

[Air Transportation, October 27th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, we launched a very open process under section 47 of the Canada Transportation Act which succeeded in bringing forward two private sector proposals. That will be considered by the shareholders of these companies.

It was very important for the government yesterday, when I met with the committee, to ensure that we have a level playing field and that those shareholders have the ability to vote on both those propositions.

That is why we stated very clearly that the government is prepared to consider raising the 10% limit of the shares of Air Canada after consultations with members in the House.

[Air Transportation, October 27th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I respect qualities of my former colleague, Mr. Lalonde. Yesterday, he gave his opinion in an article in the daily, Le Devoir , but I must point out that Mr. Lalonde is a lawyer and that his company works for Air Canada.

[Air Transportation, October 27th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is mistaken. The government made no guarantee to Onex.

I suggest he put his questions to the president of Onex when he appears before the Standing Committee on Transport.

[Air Transportation, October 27th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, we have put in place a process for obtaining the point of view of MPs and senators before making a decision.

If the hon. member has a point of view on a limit of 10, 20 or 30%, let him make it known to the House of Commons.

[Air Transportation, October 27th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, what I said yesterday is that the government is prepared to consider an increase in the 10% restriction on Air Canada shares, after consultations with MPs and senators.

I think this is a very fair position for the Canadian public, as well as for the Air Canada shareholders, before a choice is made on the bid next week.

[Airline Industry, October 26th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member may be right that more Canadians watch question period than committees. I think I should announce the fact that the committee proceedings will be carried live, in both languages, at 3.30 p.m. eastern time.

[Airline Industry, October 26th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, we have always said that it was up to the private sector to decide on business arrangements that were acceptable to them. Once a proposition is decided on by the shareholders of Air Canada and Canadian Airlines, it will have to be submitted to the government for approval to see whether or not it meets the conditions that I have outlined a number of times.

I hope the hon. member can wait, but in a few minutes I will be giving more information to her and will certainly entertain questions in a more detailed fashion.

[Air Transportation, October 26th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, it is very important that the shareholders of Air Canada and Canadian International Airlines decide on the future of these companies.

Following a decision, if we receive a proposal, we will look at it in the public interest.