It's winter - most airlines experience delays diversions and breakdowns during this time of the year. It's not unusual that travelers relate their travel experience to their local airport while being totally oblivious to the conditions across the country. Really when it gets down to it - unless you are driving; the travel experience is totally out of your hands.
Have a look:
http://www.flightstats.com/go/Flight....do?airline=WS
http://www.flightstats.com/go/Flight....do?airline=AC
AC is no better or worse than Westjet for the same period. With more flights operated in Canada than Westjet it is only proportional that more service will be affected. I realise its easy to turn a blind eye to the magnitude of the operation required to serve 130+ communities to Westjets 71 but its done to the same level of ontime performance. I agree, it's a disappointment to have your travel plans disrupted - nobody feels good about that.
It also amazes me that Canadians chose to ignore the fact that "informed Tax Payers" voted to sell Air Canada to the public in 1987 and since then it has been a "shareholder" directed entity - our "owners" are sitting right beside you.