Minister discusses meeting with federal Transport Minister

In a continued effort to sensitize federal representatives to the needs of the province, Tom Lush, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, met this week with federal Minister of Transport, David Collenette. During the meeting, Minister Lush raised several important points with regard to air and marine access to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We have seen a steady and disturbing decline in the quality of air access provided to this province in the last number of years," said Minister Lush. "This is why it is necessary to bring our message directly to the federal government which has responsibility for transport issues. The main objective of the government with respect to air service is to ensure adequate access to all regions of the province at reasonable costs. This is the message we wanted to leave with Minister Collenette."

During the meeting, Minister Lush pointed out that service to small communities must be protected and the viability of small airports in the province must be ensured. To this end, the minister stated that he believed the federal government will have to establish a mechanism to ensure access and the appropriate management and operations procedures are in place.

The minister also emphasized the negative impact of federal air transportation taxes such as the security and air service taxes. In order to address some of these issues Minister Lush explained that the federal government would need to review its national air policy and adjust it accordingly. The minister also stated he was pleased with the initial efforts demonstrated by the local air carriers to capitalize on the opportunity now extended to them by the decrease of services by Air Canada to the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. However, he also recognized that in order to provide a profitable and sustainable service these local carriers would need the cooperation of the federal government and Air Canada and its partners.

"Mr. Collenette and I talked about what is necessary to help the local air carriers," said Minister Lush. "I am pleased that the local carriers have demonstrated initiative and taken advantage of this opportunity to provide adequate service to Newfoundland and Labrador. However, to ensure that the local air carriers are provided with this opportunity, we have asked the federal government, through Minister Colenette, to cooperate with Air Canada and its partners to ensure appropriate connections and participation in the Aeroplan program. As well, interlining agreements and cost-sharing arrangements must be in place. These initiatives are very important in helping to ensure a smooth transition to local carriers. I am pleased to say that Minister Collenette did appear willing to move in this direction which would be a great boost for our local carriers."

The minister also raised a number of issues surrounding the operation of Marine Atlantic in the province including the recent appointments to the board of directors, the possibility of impending labour unrest and a number of other issues related to the general day-to-day operations of the ferry service in the province.

"In many of those areas, Minister Collenette indicated that initiatives and policy would be under review and he would undertake to help where policy and regulations permitted," said Minister Lush. "Minister Collenette indicated that there is already some positive activity with respect to Aeroplan and that there was evidence that other air carriers are interested in operating in Newfoundland and Labrador. Minister Collenette was optimistic with respect to Marine Atlantic and indicated he has been very pleased with operations over the past three years. With respect to the Marine Atlantic Board of Directors, Minister Collenette�s view is that members of the board ought still to be representative of other parts of Atlantic Canada as well.

"Although I did not get a satisfactory resolution to all of the agenda, I remain positive and confident that both air and marine transportation will improve for the traveling public of Newfoundland and Labrador. We must see that it does and we must continue to take advantage of every opportunity to impress upon the federal government the necessity of ensuring the province�s transportation needs are met."

Minister Lush also reiterated that the province will continue to work with stakeholder groups and with the recently established Atlantic Liberal Caucus Task Force on these issues.

Media contact: Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-1341.

2002 11 06                                        9:45 a.m.