If they don't want the Cdns then let 'em go. One less force (small as it may be) to help protect their asses should the Iranians decide to do more then just bluster.
This is not protectionism! An open skies policy is developed so that both parties benefit. The idea of free trade follows the same principle. Canada has signed agreements with countries where both find an advantage.
What does open skies with the UAE bring to Canada??? Despite their attempt at quote various' studies' EK flying into Canada bring almost no benefit to Canada. How many employees at a new base--a handful!! Even many of the engineers are brought in from outside, given a Cdn visa and work cheap.
SO they pay for a slot, some airport fees and fuel all of which amount to little.
They don't bring in 'new' passengers. Anyone coming to Canada arrives either direct or via a stop (ie. EK). If it is one stop they can come in on a multitude of airlines, some of whom codeshare with Cdn airlines (not just AC by the way). So whether they come via Lufthanse/AC, United etc or EK is irrelevant. EK is NOT a lowcost airline and their airfares are similar to all the competition so they do not 'stimulate' new traffic al la Ryan Air, Easy jet etc.
So EK wants a series of destinations in Canada yet can provide only one (DXB and AUH are one city for all purposes because they are so close). What benefit would Canada find from an agreement then? Precious little.
EK and similar airlines rely on feed. The move pax through their hub and onward.