Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recently in the North there is seen an introduction of yet another airline carrier from the south flying into Yellowknife. Many people call this the milk run, but considering how this impacts the northern part of the Territory, I hardly call it that. The air carriers with two northern presidents serve more communities than only Yellowknife. They serve the entire North and they do it northern style, Mr. Speaker. I recognize that this government balance competition and services all over the North,

but when the two northern air carriers face increasing competition with southern-based carriers, services to the entire North are affected. This government, at the minimum, must monitor and enforce the directives they already have in place so all the government employee and funded organizations use northern-based air carriers. Subcontractors are often excluded from these policies, creating loopholes allowing millions of dollars to leave the North. Subcontractors all over the North working on GNWT projects are using southern-based air carriers to bring in their workers. Secondly, this government must review the policies and procedures or projects they have in place and/or developing; for example, various upgrades to the airline transportation industry. It has not been requested by northern-based air carriers and will allow a result of increased seasonal competition. Lastly, the government must strengthen and support programs such as the BIP, demonstrating support through actions, not just words, to air carriers who are truly committed to the North. Carriers who employ Northerners who contribute to the northern economy and the flights beyond the northern air carrier’s destinations should incorporate northern air carriers as much as possible. What adds insult to injury is the northern carriers have stuck by the North through lean times and we are asked to give some of their already limited space at the airports. Even though these matters are a federal responsibility, the government could take additional steps to work with other governments and agencies to impose conditions on the air carriers in the Territory. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Transportation at the appropriate time. Thank you.