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Air Transportation

A question period exchange about the possible privatization of Canadian ports and airports. Don Davies of the NDP asked the government to commit not to sell these assets to private or foreign buyers, saying doing so could compromise security, raise prices, and reduce service quality. Liberal minister Steven MacKinnon replied that the government is exploring possibilities but wants to improve the travel experience and keep air travel accessible and affordable for Canadians.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

2 statements

Don Davies

NDP
“I want the Prime Minister to promise not to sell Canada's ports and airports to private companies. Selling them could hurt our security, raise prices, and make services worse.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals’ privatization agenda is disturbing and dangerous. They are planning to sell off Canada’s ports and airports, strategic assets that will end up in the hands of foreign buyers, compromising our security. When Heathrow was privatized in the U.K., it resulted in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and China controlling major stakes in that airport. Passengers paid more and services declined. Will the Prime Minister commit to keeping Canada’s ports and airports in public hands, or will he sell our sovereignty to the highest bidder?

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Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“We are looking at ways to make air travel better, safer, and easier to use. We want to make sure tickets stay affordable so Canadians can travel across the country.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 45 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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  • Government answer in Question Period

    Clarity 0 of 100

    Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is exploring all possibilities, but one thing we will not compromise on is that we want to actually improve the travel experience and keep air travel in this vast and beautiful land accessible to all. We want to make sure that pricing continues to favour Canadians’ ability to move around the country. We want to explore all possibilities in terms of safety, accessibility and making travel a responsive, comfortable, good and positive experience for all Canadians.

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