???? Transport Canada doesn't set Canadian airlines safety Benchmarks. This is done by each airline themselves. Transport Canada only regulates the bare min safety levels. This is why WS only order 1 additional safety option, where AC took both options. Also, AC is the only North American airline to order 737-max simulators and is currently training their pilots on Boeing software updates. Finally, AC is also the only airline in North America that upgraded their 737-Max cockpits instrument panels, addiing a additional safety level. This was a custom upgrade not offered by Boeing.
These extra's cost AC millions, which WS was not willing to spend. Maybe it is time?
AC is a very unique Max operator in North America. It is the only Max operator that never operated the NG. They are going into this with a management team and pilots that see zero value in commonality between the NG and MAX. That is a very different perspective to have. Most of their pilots are going to be moving between Airbus A220, A320, A330 and the MAX. They are going to be far more open to design elements that may not have existed on the NG. They are also going to have zero desire in reusing NG simulators given they don't own any.
WS is in a very different position.