Finance committee  Absolutely, sir. Air transport finds itself in this situation with regard to all its financing. Financing for improved infrastructure is also borne by users. All financing for air transport comes from users. Nothing comes from the government. For us, this is a net loss, in that the money we collect goes into the government's coffers and we receive nothing in return.

Finance committee  We don't at all dispute the need for security. We're asking why the government collects more money than it needs for aviation security.

Finance committee  I can't answer you with regard to effectiveness or efficiency because we don't have the CATSA data here. We can just compare the charges collected via this tax in various countries. We're waiting. The Minister of Transport has promised a study, a complete review of CATSA activities and efficiency.

Finance committee  It's distinctly higher here than in other countries. If you go to England, you'll see that charges of all kinds represent 30% of the price of a round trip ticket. That's 30%, I should say, in addition to the price of the flight.

Finance committee  If you look at the price of the ticket, because I'm sure you travel in economy class since you're a responsible man—

Finance committee  I would say that the pricing component for a flight to England hasn't changed much in 20 years. What has changed are all the additional taxes and charges.

Finance committee  I think I used the word “tax” in my text. Yes, sir.

Finance committee  Sir, we have nothing against CATSA. My words weren't criticizing CATSA here today, not at all.

Finance committee  No, Air Canada and WestJet are not members of our association.

Finance committee  Well, there are Porter, Sunwing, and many other airlines. There are 600 commercial airlines in Canada.

Finance committee  One hundred and eighty-five.

Finance committee  I'll send you a list if you want it, sir.

Finance committee  You mean by name?

Finance committee  We represent members from across Canada that do all kinds of commercial aviation, be they large carriers or the lifeline that's operating up north or--

Finance committee  Sir, we are concerned that CATSA.... We want to make sure they're efficient. We have no proof of that. We're concerned by what they're doing. We are not criticizing CATSA. We have no grounds to criticize CATSA, because it's not being compared to anything else other than the rate we are being charged.