Air Canada Reductions Hurt Nova Scotia

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Air Canada Reductions Hurt Nova Scotia

Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, said today that Air Canada's announcement of reduced service to Halifax and Yarmouth is unfortunate, but, hopefully, short-lived.

"We understand that the airline industry finds itself in difficult and unique circumstances," said Mr. Russell. "But we insist that Air Canada develop a long-term strategy that considers the needs of our smaller airports. We need improved air access, not less."

Mr. Russell met last month with Air Canada officials. He says he will seek further opportunities to express concerns about air access issues that have a direct impact on Nova Scotians.

"Timely, scheduled air service is a fundamental building block for local and regional economic development," he added. "It's of particular importance to our tourism industry and our heightened profile in the energy sector."

Air Canada has announced that it will discontinue the direct Halifax-to-Calgary route, effective Nov. 4. The airline will also reduce Yarmouth service from six to five days a week. Yarmouth passengers will also be served by a much smaller plane: the 17- seat Beech aircraft, as opposed to the 37-seat Dash 8. There are no changes to Sydney service, although Air Canada says future market conditions could require further changes.

The minister said he will continue to raise concerns about Air Canada's service changes and federal air policy in general at future federal-provincial meetings.