Transport committee  Thank you, Mr. Barsalou‑Duval. First of all, you're correct: We are present in the regions of Quebec. Air Canada is there in Sept-Îles, at Saguenay-Bagotville airport, in Rouyn-Noranda and the Magdalen Islands, in particular. The Quebec government is also active in this area and has introduced a program to assist users by providing access to discounted fares and allowing them to choose their carrier.

Transport committee  Thank you for your question, Mr. Bachrach. Yes, I'm aware of that incident, which occurred last week. The case containing Chief Woodhouse Nepinak's traditional headdress was put in checked baggage. We apologized for that situation. Our president spoke to the chief, and we committed to reviewing the training we give our employees concerning the transportation of sacred objects such as the chief's headdress.

Transport committee  We're already reviewing our procedures, as I explained, so we can put a system in place for people to inform us in advance of religious or sacred objects that will be travelling with them. I can of course follow up with the committee regarding next steps.

Transport committee  My counterpart said there are seven million Canadian travellers who fly from the U.S. That's an indication that it's cheaper there. I will also give you another indication. If you look at U.S. carriers' presence in Canada outside the four major airports in Canada, since the pandemic their presence at other airports here is down by 40%.

Transport committee  It will.

Transport committee  No one is saying that.

Transport committee  I would say that we're not even at a user-pay model here in Canada, because there is revenue that is taken from the industry that is not reinvested. The first example is the ground rent. The second example is fuel excise tax. If you look at the U.S., all amounts that are taken from the industry are put into a trust fund that is reinvested in infrastructure.

Transport committee  You're probably making reference to Smithers and Terrace. I checked yesterday, and the basic fare difference is about $15 to $20. It depends on the time of day and the inventory available. We have increased the capacity in Smithers. We have a new flight this summer. I'm going to quote what the mayor said.

Transport committee  I would say, first, as I mentioned in my remarks, that the market in Canada is very competitive if you compare it to other jurisdictions. With your permission, I'll continue in French. In 2012, the Senate considered the same question that the chair asked last time, and prepared a report on it.

Transport committee  Mr. Iacono, thank you for your question. Many of our employees live in your riding because it's located near our international hub in Montreal. All carriers keep a close eye on costs to make sure they can offer an affordable and competitive product, and not just compared to other airlines in the country.

Transport committee  Thank you for your question, Ms. Koutrakis. I obviously agree that Air Canada is a source of pride for Canada. It connects Canada to the world, and it's good for the country when it prospers. Yes, there are ways to work together to improve market conditions and make all carriers more competitive both in Canada and internationally.

Transport committee  First of all, as I said in my remarks, the committee has recommended that the taxes and fees applicable to the industry be reviewed. You could also look at how to reinvest that money in the industry. Airport rents are money that the airports remit to the federal government every year.

Transport committee  That's perfect.

Transport committee  Thank you for your question. First of all, our performance improved in the first quarter of 2023. Air Canada has improved its performance and is not dead last in North America.

Transport committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for your question, Mr. Williams. We've considerably improved Air Canada's operational performance between the first quarters of 2022 and 2023. According to the operational statistics I have, Air Canada isn't ranked last in North America. As for competition within Canada, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, the competitive landscape in Canada isn't different from that of most other regions around the world.