
Leaders express disappointment with changes to Canadian North airline
YELLOWKNIFE — Northern leaders say they are disappointed with changes that allow Canadian North to increase prices and reduce flight service in remote communities, but the airline says it will be better able to meet demand.
Ottawa announced late last month it had approved new terms and conditions for Canadian North’s merger with First Air. Those include permitting the airline to reduce community service to one flight per week and increase fares up to 25 per cent within a calendar year.
“People across Nunavut and the Northwest Territories are rightfully concerned about the cost of travel in the North,” Nunavut NDP MP Lori Idlout said in a statement.
“After speaking with the company and expressing my concerns, I’m hopeful that northerners won’t see an increase in their costs, but I will continue to keep a close eye to ensure prices and services are fair.”