NORTH DELTA – MLA Guy Gentner challenges the Premier to make an “Open Skies” airline policy that is friendly to residents living south of the Fraser River: “Premier Gordon Campbell’s announcement to eliminate a 2 cents a litre provincial tax on jet fuel for foreign carriers not only makes a mockery for commuters having to pay carbon taxes everyday going to work, but it will have a an impact on residents in North Delta, Surrey and Richmond,” said the Delta North MLA.

In an announcement earlier this week, the government said that the elimination of jet fuel tax for international flights will see the expansion of flights to YVR. Campbell said in a press release: “More international flights through YVR, particularly with our new Approved Destination Status with China, means substantial economic benefits for British Columbia through increased tourism revenues and job creation”.

The NDP MLA maintains that once again the BC Liberals do not consider the importance of neighbourhoods: “Before giving a tax break to airlines, perhaps the Premier should look at night flight restrictions similar to many airports in Europe, so residents along the flyway can get a good night sleep, go to work in the morning in order to pay their taxes.”

Vancouver is adding capacity for five million new passengers and 441,000 tonnes of air cargo by 2020. Vancouver enjoys a significant competitive advantage as the ideal gateway connecting the Asia-Pacific Region, North America, and Europe.

The BC Liberal announcement doesn’t make reference to noise abatement, especially with the continual increase to night flights. As the Intergovernmental Relations Critic, Gentner says, “The Premier may be correct that such a tax reduction will create a more competitive environment and in turn more jobs will be created, but will senior levels of government address the continued increase to late-night-early-morning noise from jets along the Richmond-North Delta-Surrey flyway? I think we know the answer to that one – its no.”