“The government wants to privatize Canada's four major airports, including the one in Montreal. This airport is very important to Quebec's economy, and it could end up owned by private companies or foreign airports. Did the government consult Quebec before making this decision?”

“Mr. Speaker, last week, the Liberal government announced that it intends to privatize Canada’s four major airports, including Montreal’s airport in Dorval. This airport plays a key role in Quebec’s economy, and in Montreal’s economy in particular. This is what is known as strategic infrastructure. Ottawa is prepared to hand over this airport to the private sector and even to foreign airports. Before making such an important decision for Quebec’s economy, did the federal government consult the Government of Quebec, or does it believe that it does not need to do so?”

“The airport in Montreal is vital to Quebec's economy, but the government did not consult Quebec before acting. I want the Liberals to explain why they showed such a lack of respect to Quebec.”

“Mr. Speaker, we take that to mean “no”. Aéroports de Montréal comprises representatives of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, the Government of Quebec, and of the airlines. Essentially, they are representatives from Quebec because the airport sector plays a vital role in Quebec’s economy. Somehow though, this was not important enough for anyone in the government to pick up the phone and call Quebec to consult them. How can the Liberals justify this total lack of respect and consideration for the Government of Quebec and for Quebeckers?”