Madam Chair, I pointed out earlier that we did look at a number of options. In my opinion, I think we have exhausted all avenues of raising this revenue, short of an airport improvement fee. That is something that probably could be considered. We had moved away from that concept because we felt that landing fees and terminal fees were at a level where we could raise them and still be on par with other jurisdictions. We negotiated well over a year with CATSA. We really made the point. We were very adamant on our position, that we pointed out all kinds of arguments in terms of how and why we should be funded. We did make some success. We made some headway. The end result was that we still had to cover a $6.6 million price tag. I really wouldn't know where else to turn to have new revenues. We went to FMB. The direction was cost recovery. At the end of the day, whether we covered through landing fees, terminal fees that are paid by the actual passengers or we go to the government, it is all going to be covered by the taxpayer's dollar. But, I don't know where else to go. I certainly would consider going to other places. It wasn't our desire to incorporate a new cost-recovery fee, but that was the position we were in. We certainly didn't want to compromise the project. We realize that there is a need for more space, and we had to do this and put in a system that would be able to pay for this expansion. This is one of probably the 20th busiest airports in Canada. There is a requirement for additional space. We've gone everywhere that we can think of to get new dollars so we wouldn't have to incorporate a fee. I guess it is our last resort. If the Member has any suggestions, we certainly welcome them.
Michael McLeod on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on February 28th, 2005. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 27th, 2005
Page 1619
See context to find out what was said next.