News
B.C. air operators to sue government

Nov. 10, 2010, Vancouver – A group of six air operators located in the
Lower Mainland of British Columbia and the Air Transport Association of
Canada (ATAC), announced today that six B.C. carriers and flight
schools will be filing a claim against the Government of Canada. asking
for the courts to order the Government of Canada to compensate them for
loss of revenue and increased expenses which occurred as a direct
result of the special Aviation Security Measures put in place from
January 29th to March 24th 2010 for the Vancouver/Whistler Winter
Olympics.

The air operators' businesses were significantly impaired through the course of the Olympic Games, as a result of these special air regulations.

Typically, air operators have been compensated as a result of air security regulations for events such as G8 meetings.  In spite of a vigorous lobbying campaign including numerous letters both to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Transport, the Government of Canada has not offered any respite to the affected air operators. The lawsuit will be brought by the Vancouver Office of Gowling, Lafleur Henderson, a large national firm of lawyers, before the Supreme Court of British Columbia.  The claims are in excess of $1 million.

John McKenna, ATAC's President and CEO, stated "It is quite unacceptable that the Canadian Government not face up to its responsibilities. Transport Canada approved measures it knew full well were detrimental to the very livelihood of these small carriers".

The proposed plaintiffs are K.D. Air, Pacific Flying Club, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Pacific Professional Flight Center, C. Morin Aviation (Glacier Air Tours) and Montair Aviation.