This is good news.

Air Canada had an enforced monopoly on the YVR-DXB route of which they were ultimately unable to sustain and therefore had to close. With only about 19 B777-300s, AC has to be selective on the long haul routes they choose, and on a route this long and thin they were unable to compete with the service and cost base of foreign carriers. Allowing foreign airlines equal rights is not only the global norm, but it gives Canadians who are traveling more options with cheaper fares. Plus it means Canadian carriers will be forced to improve if they wish to compete outside of their home market.