Minister Noel asks federal government to eliminate levies imposed on air travelers

Walter Noel, Minister of Government Services and Lands and minister responsible for consumer affairs, has asked federal Finance Minister Paul Martin to eliminate recent levies imposed on air travelers to offset the cost of new security measures for the airline industry.

In his letter to Mr. Martin, Mr. Noel said: "I recognize and agree with the need for increased and heightened security for the travelling public in the wake of the tragic events of September 11, however I disagree with the necessary funds being raised through a user pay system. . . . I find the imposition of additional charges unfair to the individual consumer when the intent of the new security measures is to protect the public generally. "

Minister Noel pointed out that airline travel is currently extremely expensive in smaller markets such as Newfoundland and Labrador and called upon Minister Martin to draw the necessary security funds from general revenues of the Government of Canada.

Contact: Rick Callahan, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2002 01 18                           3:30 p.m.