OK so lets consider that things are not what they seem.
EK , get all kinds of independant studies to say how much money we will bring to Canada. From proposed credible institutions. ( Who I am sure were paid very handsomely for their " study ".
This is not disimilar to the institutions that EK have on their payroll saying " we do not have a fatigue issue in this airline" . Just because you have a University/ Organisation preparing an argument for you . It does not mean its fact by any stretch.Management are seen to be doing the right thing , but have a very different agenda.
You could take it one step farther , understanding their modus operandi. They claim they are not subsidised , dont get cheap fuel etc etc etc.
A simple paper exercise could " hide" this easily if it were in fact the case.
To make it " appear" so.
Until this part of the world allows for some "real " transparency into the way they operate. Then I think the Canadian gov have a strong argument.