Transport Canada has proposed increases in landing and general terminal fees at seven of the airports that it still operates. At St. Anthony and Wabush, Nfld.; Mont-Joli, Sept-Iles and St-Hubert in Quebec; and Penticton and Port Hardy, B.C. landing fees are to be raised from eight to 25 per cent in each of the next two years. General Terminal Fees, the infamous "pay-to-wee" fees, are increasing up to 24 per cent. Terminal fees at Mont-Joli will go from $14.44 to $17.91 starting June 1, 2001 and to $22.20 in 2002. Landing fees at Transport Canada operated airports apply to helicopters and turbine aircraft only.
COPA president and CEO Kevin Psutka wrote to Ronald Sully, Assistant Deputy Minister, Programs and Divestiture Group, Transport Canada in response to the proposed increases.
Dear Mr. Sully:
In response to your letter dated January 31, 2001 in which you announce that you are again raising landing, general terminal and other aircraft charges at seven airports, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association would like to refer you to our letter dated July 25, 2000. We again request that you ensure that our comments from that letter are reflected in your announcement of the increases.
COPA, on behalf of small aircraft owners in Canada, strongly opposes any general terminal fees for aircraft with six or less seats. The National Airports Policy is seriously flawed but you continue to refuse to listen to our concerns for the future of aviation.
Kevin Psutka, COPA President and CEO