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A BIG COUNTRY NEEDS A NATIONAL AIRLINE NDP SAYS THE |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 4, 2003 A BIG COUNTRY NEEDS A NATIONAL AIRLINE NDP SAYS THE AIRLINE GRAVEYARD SHOWS HOW LIBERAL POLICIES HAVE FAILED OTTAWA – NDP Leader Jack Layton today joined airline workers in demanding the federal government get serious about ensuring Air Canada’s survival. Layton was joined at today’s transport committee meeting by Bev Desjarlais, a Manitoba MP and transport critic; and Peter Stoffer, a Nova Scotia MP and former airline worker. “Airline workers have seen enough turbulence and with Robert Milton raiding their pensions, deserve federal loan guarantees to protect their pensions,” said Layton. “They also need federal support for early retirement incentives because workers have given enough to ensure airlines’ survival and should be given the opportunity to leave with protection.” Layton also said it’s clear that a country the size of Canada needs a national airline, which must provide service to remote communities. “Robert Milton’s Rambo-style management caused many of Air Canada’s current problems. But it’s also clear that with so many airline deaths, there’s more wrong with the airline industry than just Robert Milton,” he said. “Canada needs a national transport vision because the last 15 years simply hasn’t worked. Canada’s airline industry was in trouble well before September 11.” Contrary to Transport Minister David Collenette’s claims, Layton noted the NDP did not support the current airline policy and spoke out against it. “The Liberals may want to pretend that all parties agreed to create this mess, but the facts don’t support that claim,” he said. The NDP reiterated its long-standing demand for security taxes to be eliminated from air tickets and for airport fees to be suspended. “Air security is a public responsibility and should be paid for by general government revenues to help protect both the airline and tourism industries. We don’t have special fees for police on highways, and shouldn’t have special fees for security at airports,” said Layton, who commended Desjarlais’s long fight to axe the security tax. At the committee meeting, Layton spoke with Air Canada’s three main unions – the Canadian Auto Workers, the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers – and pledged the NDP’s continued support for their members and the communities they serve. -30- For More Information: Karl Belanger (613) 720-6463 |
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