AC isn’t just a “for profit corporation”. AC has received numerous government taxpayer handouts and there are multiple regulations in place putting Air Canada in an advantageous position, such as limiting the landing slots of foreign carriers. These preferential treatments were given in exchange for AC serving Canadian interests.

I am not saying that AC is obligated to serve any of the markets mentioned above, or if government should influence AC or any business entities, I just want to point out that it’s entirely possible that government may incentivize or put some pressure on AC to serve any market that may not be of AC’s best financial interests.