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Air Transportation

During Question Period, the Bloc Québécois asked about reports that the government plans to privatize Canada’s four major airports, including Montreal–Trudeau, saying the airport is key to Quebec’s economy and could end up owned by private or foreign interests, and asking whether Quebec was consulted. The government replied that it is moving forward with a plan to invest in airports and regional air routes across the country, and that Canadian pension funds, including Quebec’s Caisse de dépôt, already operate airports abroad and could do the same in Canada so Canadians benefit.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

4 statements

Sébastien Lemire

Bloc Québécois

Linked statement

“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?”
Official Hansard

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?

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Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“We must invest in local air routes, airports, and connections for all Canadians. That is why we are using a new plan to invest in our airports and improve air travel.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 46 of 100

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

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, investing in our regional routes across Canada, including in the regions of Quebec, is essential. Investing in our airport infrastructure across the country is essential. Investing in real and virtual connections for all Canadians is essential. That is why we are moving forward with a model where we can have investments in our airports to allow the government to better serve Canadians through air transportation.

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Sébastien Lemire

Bloc Québécois
“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.”
Official Hansard

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?

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Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“Canadian pension funds already run airports in other countries. I want them to invest in Canadian airports too, so Canadians get the benefits.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 46 of 100

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

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, if we take a look around the world, what do we see? Canadians’ pension funds, including funds such as the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, are not only investing but they are also operating airports in Australia, Asia and across Europe. We believe that, since Canada is lagging behind in this area, it is high time that our pension funds are brought home and invested in our airports. That way, this expertise benefits Canadians.

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