Province Calls For Review of Air Policy

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Province Calls For Review of Air Policy

The provincial government is calling again for a review of Canada's international air policy. The request appears in a letter to the federal Transport department sent by the province today, July 11, in response to Ottawa's decision disallowing a foreign airline access to Halifax International Airport.

Last month, the federal Privy Council overturned Canadian Transportation Agency approval for MK Airlines of Ghana to offer cargo service between Halifax and Spain.

Transportation and Public Works Minister Michael Baker says economic growth in Nova Scotia is suffering from a national air policy that ignores the needs of business.

"Air access is a critical issue for Nova Scotia," said Mr. Baker. "We need more liberalized federal air policies to benefit Nova Scotia trade and tourism."

In addition to the need for an air policy review, the province has written to the federal minister of transport on a number of air industry issues recently, including: -- the need for National Airport System rent relief; -- the province's concern with small airport viability, and; -- the province's concern with federal air-related fees and regulations, including the air travellers security charge, and regulations such as CAR 308 (emergency response), which would have substantial impact on Sydney airport.