Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During our term as the 14th Assembly of the NWT, we have been blessed with economic prospects that are in great shape. Employment activity, tax revenues and investment in the NWT are at record levels. Through my term as the Member for Great Slave, I have advocated that the cost of living and the cost of doing business in the NWT are among the biggest hurdles we have to realizing our full share of these gifts.
Mr. Speaker, I have focused especially on the three biggest cost drivers: housing, energy and northern air travel. As a result of an announcement last week by Canadian North, I believe we are turning the corner on the air travel issue.
Our northern-based airlines, like those around the world, have been going through some difficult times with increased fuel prices, new security costs and decreased passenger loads in this post September 11th era. These combined impacts have resulted in double digit increases in air travel here in the North and it more than doubled the volume of complaints and demands for innovation and better ways of doing business.
In this regard, I am encouraged to see that Canadian North has listened, has sharpened their pencil and have introduced a range of improvements. Canadian North has heard the complaints, they have analyzed their business plan and they have taken responsive and responsible action, Mr. Speaker. It is innovative and aggressive and like any business, it also assumes risks.
The new plan lowers airfares throughout the system between 26 and 42 percent, Mr. Speaker. This is a full-time approach, it is not a one-time seat sale. Canadian North has eliminated over 100 different rate scales and the three-tier system it now has will make booking and paying easier for the customer.
We no longer have to deal with advance booking deadlines, Saturday stayovers and those annoying fees that crop up when we have to change bookings. In fact, we can now change plans and even get refunds within an hour or so of a scheduled flight.
Air travel with Canadian North is now more transparent, Mr. Speaker, with fewer complications and greater flexibility. It certainly helps the northern affordability issue that I have been advocating.
While one airline has demonstrated it is ready to take on these cost factors, government can also do its part. We have airport improvement fees, Nav Canada fees, GST fees, security fees, all of which make a difference. Now, as of the announcement from Canadian North, I congratulate the president, the company and Canadian North staff for their innovative approach to airline pricing reform. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause