Under the program and functional review fees, Mr. Chairman, the committee remains concerned about the impact of proposed increases to airport landing fees, general terminal fees and airport leases. These increased fees will ultimately be passed on the consumer. The consumer is already impacted by proposed department fee increases for motor vehicle licensing, registration, reinstatement and other motor vehicle administrative fee increases.
Committee members remarked, Mr. Chairman, that the proposed fee increases may end up proportionately worse for the transportation sector and the consumer due to increasing fuel prices. Although the committee members can appreciate the department's efforts to attempt full cost recovery on our facilities, such as airports, the committee questioned if this initiative is realistic especially in light of our small economies of scale. Committee members noted that these transportation fee increases did not draw as much attention as the proposed hotel room tax.
The committee concluded that the territorial government's proposed program and functional review increases will have a significant impact across the North, affecting most northern residents and businesses. As a result, Mr. Chairman, committee members have decided to engage all regular Members in this discussion and referred the matter to the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight.