April 2, 2004

Ottawa - Planned service cuts to the Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Fort Nelson airports became the subject of debate in the House of Commons today when Jay Hill, MP for Prince George-Peace River, accused the federal Liberals of ignoring the issue and rural Canada.

Hill made the following comments during Question Period:

"Mr. Speaker, in my riding of Prince George--Peace River, federal cuts and reductions in airline service are threatening to put a chokehold on a recent surge in economic growth.

It has been predicted that a reduction in NAV Canada services at the Dawson Creek airport may compel airlines to avoid that airport altogether, amid concerns that pilots will have reduced support in judging the safety of landing conditions. This will negate over two years of improvements to the facility designed to attract increased airline traffic.

Meanwhile, Air Canada Jazz has indicated it intends to eliminate its service to Fort Nelson and reduce service to Fort St. John. This, despite a significant increase in air traffic and a track record of oversold flights propelled by a healthy economic boom.

It is ironic that services are being cut to the very airports that are projecting an increase in traffic. Airports are the very lifeblood of remote northern communities. Shame on the Liberal government for ignoring the needs of rural Canada."

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