QUESTION PERIOD — Transport
COVID-19 Pandemic--Financial Support for the Air Sector
March 17, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Despite the promises made by the government and the empty rhetoric spewed by two successive Transport Ministers since the pandemic began, Canada remains the only G7 country that has not provided targeted assistance to the air sector. Thousands of jobs are at risk and some have already been lost, including many in Quebec. In addition to the workers in that sector, all travellers will eventually pay the price for Ottawa’s refusal to intervene.
Senator Gold, are we to assume that this can be attributed to the incompetence of the Prime Minister and his ministers, or is there a Liberal strategy behind this to pay out millions of dollars right before the next election campaign gets under way?
Thank you for the question, colleague. I always find the way you formulate your questions very interesting.
It is neither a matter of incompetence nor an electoral strategy. On the contrary, the Government of Canada — and I have said this many times here — is seriously looking at ways to help Canadians and businesses, including the air sector and its workers and the travellers who depend on it. I imagine — in fact I am sure of it and have been so advised — that these discussions are ongoing. As soon as there is a decision, for this sector or any other, the government will announce it.