I MOVE that, whereas the Honourable David Collenette, Federal Minister of Transport, approved NAV Canada's fee proposal for air navigation services on September 11, 1998;
AND WHEREAS it is unacceptable that NAV Canada's service fees will reduce the cost of air transportation in southern Canada by some $100 million a year, it will increase the cost in northern Canada by $7 - $10 million a year;
AND WHEREAS the approved fee structure contravenes the spirit and intent of Section 35(g) of the Civil Air Navigation Commercialization Act, which indicates that charges for designated northern or remote services and for services directed to be provided under subsection 24(i) must not be higher than charges for similar services utilized to a similar extent elsewhere in Canada;
AND WHEREAS the effect of replacing the Air Transportation Tax with NAV Canada's service fees is to increase air cargo rates;
AND WHEREAS residents of the Northwest Territories living in remote communities serviced by air carriers will feel the most impact with increased costs to the basic food needs and all other goods supplied by air cargo;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Member for Iqaluit, that the Legislative Assembly recommends that the Federal Minister of Transport, the Honourable David Collenette, review the impact of NAV Canada service fees on the northern and remote areas of Canada and take the necessary steps to mitigate the impacts on the economies and standard of living in Canada's northern and remote communities.
AND FURTHER, that the Government of the Northwest Territories, through the Minister of Transportation, the Honourable Jim Antoine, transmit this resolution to the federal government and all provincial and territorial governments.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.