reprinted from the Toronto Star
MPs want air security tax reduced
Copyright 2002 Toronto Star Newspapers,
Ltd. An all-party parliamentary committee is calling on the federal government to reduce the $24 security fee air travellers pay on round-trip tickets. The House of Commons transport committee passed a motion yesterday that "urges the government to implement an immediate and substantial reduction of the air traveller's security charge." Critics of the fee, which was introduced to pay for new security measures after the Sept. 11, 2002, terror attacks against the United States, say it is unfair because it brings in far more money than the government spends on security. They also say it has hurt air travel. Canadian Alliance MP James Moore (Port Moody-Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam), who put forward the motion, said the committee's vote is "a huge victory for air travellers, the air industry, small communities, the tourism industry and all Canadians. "It is now up to the Liberal cabinet to undo (former finance minister) Paul Martin's air tax, listen to the transport committee, and do what's right," he said. Transport Minister David Collenette noted the government has agreed already to review the security fee. Last month, Finance Minister John Manley said the fee could be lowered as early as the next budget, expected in February. Moore blames the air tax for reducing passenger traffic by 10 per cent across Canada in the first eight months of the year. He says the tax caused WestJet to drop
service to Thompson, Man., and Air Canada to stop flights to Yarmouth, N.S.,
Stephenville, Nfld., and St. Leonard, N.B. |