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On Monday, November 4, 2002, Tom Lush, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Chair of the provincial government cabinet committee on air policy, aerospace and the military, will meet with federal Minister of Transport, David Collenette, in Ottawa to discuss a number of issues surrounding air access in the province. "Recently, there have been changes to air access in the province which have caused us great concern," said Minister Lush. "The plight of several airports in our province and the rising cost of travelling to and within our province have clearly indicated the vital importance of all aspects of the air travel industry to the economic success of our province. The federal government must acknowledge this and act quickly to improve the legislative and regulatory environment so that the air travel industry is well positioned to maintain sustainable affordable service to the more remote and rural parts of our province and our country. Further, the federal government must continue to exercise its responsibility in ensuring the continued viability of more remote airports. Essential services are, after all, a part of modern day thinking." In recent weeks, the minister has participated in a number of meetings with representatives from the airline industry and with representatives from communities with vested interest in the airline industry. "These meetings have been a great help to me in preparing for my meeting with Minister Collenette," said Minister Lush. "The representatives from these industries and communities have brought forth valid concerns and I will take them directly to the minister. It is important he realize this is an issue of great importance to this province and we want our voices to be heard and our needs to be met in any policy and planning decisions in the future. Newfoundland and Labrador is a province which must have affordable access to air service. It is not good enough for Air Canada or the federal government to paint us with the same brush as the rest of Canada. We have a unique geographic challenge that requires specific and careful consideration. We must be considered and consulted as the federal government and the air industry in Canada endeavour to meet the changing demands of the marketplace." The meeting will also provide an opportunity for Minister Lush to engage Minister Collenette in a discussion of issues surrounding Marine Atlantic and the gulf ferry service in the province. Media contact: Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-1341. 2002 11 01 1:25 p.m. |
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