Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like many northerners, I have been watching the recent trials of Canadian Airlines with a great deal of interest. I recognize how crucial air travel is to the north, and I appreciate the crucial role Canadian Airlines and its predecessor, Pacific Western Airlines, has played in providing northerners with this vital service.
Mr. Speaker, the future of this airline is now at stake. Canadian North is, and has been, an important part of the northern economy. Not only do they provide approximately 100 jobs to the north, they also contribute between $7 million and $8 million annually to the northern economy. Some of these contributions are contract employees in communities supplying ground services and monies for sale, marketing, advertising and joint promotion, airport operations, a form of fuel purchases, hotel expenses in various communities, terminal fees, management expenses, and supply of service by local catering companies. Community support through various discount travels for events and charities and for sporting groups.
The importance and significance of Canadian North is centred around all these services, and the loss of Canadian Airline, would have a direct effect on many additional people.
The competition that Canadian Airlines provides in the marketplace ensures that airfares in the north are reasonable and that northern communities have the greatest opportunities to be served by competitive commercial airlines.
If Canadian Airlines were to go under, it would be a serious and financial inconvenience to many Canadians. But the effects in the north would be devastating. We would suffer a great proportionate impact with the loss of jobs to our small, fragile economy. As well, we would feel the effects of reducing competition through higher airfare and reduced services.
Mr. Speaker, the northern economy cannot afford to lose Canadian Airlines, that is why I am glad to see progress as being made in negotiations between the airline and the government such as Alberta and B.C. where they have taken the initiative to rebate a fuel tax levy of approximately 1 million dollars, in Alberta's case, to assist the company.
Later today, I will be asking the Minister of Transportation questions regarding the role the Government of the Northwest Territories can play to ensure the survival of this important corporate citizen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.