'We're going to fight': Labrador residents protest expensive airfares, call for action
Government officials, PAL airlines scheduled to meet in St. John's next week
About 100 people holding Labrador flags and signs rallied outside the Wabush Airport on Saturday, calling for more affordable airfares and action from PAL Airlines and government.
The protest was about standing up for the needs of Labrador residents, who are fed up with paying expensive fares to fly in and out of the region, said organizer Dena Rumbolt.
"We need it, we deserve it. We're going to fight for it," Rumbolt told CBC News.
"There's power in numbers and everybody is backing this. Everybody is backing it because now the lead has started, so we'll see where it goes," she said.
Airfare costs in Labrador have risen by 33 per cent over the last five years, according to a fare analysis report commissioned by the Goose Bay Airport Corporation.
There is a bigger financial impact for people flying out of Wabush, the home of Labrador's second largest airport, where prices have risen by 47 per cent.
There is also little competition in the region. PAL Airlines and its partner Air Borealis are the only carriers providing Labrador residents with air travel.
Family struggle
Rumbolt heard stories over the years about people's struggles with flying, she said. But it struck home when her mother-in-law, who was in St. John's, had a medical emergency. She booked her husband a flight but it was cancelled twice.
"We were like, 'OK, you know what? We're not going to get to see our mom now,'" she said. "That's what they were thinking before she passed."
The experience was frustrating and it prompted Rumbolt to start the protest, she said.
Noreen Careen also came out for the protest to show her support for getting more affordable airfare for the region, especially for seniors.
"Sometimes trying to get a senior out of here for medical appointments — it's practically impossible. We have to do fundraising at times," said Careen.
She has to fly for a medical appointment in November and is in the process of filing out the provincial medical transportation assistance program form to cover costs.
"I'm anxious to see how well it's going to work," said Careen.
She wants to see financial relief brought in to tackle the cost of airfare.
"It's practically gouging, what's taking place," said Careen, adding that there are people who can't afford to fly out of the region.
Kelley Albert said she recently saw a one-way ticket to St. John's for $953.
"That's just highway robbery," she said.
Her family will drive to another city, like Montreal, if they want to fly anywhere for vacation, she said.
Albert also wants to see more flights available. Sometimes, she said, people trying to fly because of family emergencies can't book a flight for days.
PAL meeting scheduled
On Friday, Premier Andrew Furey posted on social media that he met with PAL representatives and is seeking a meeting with federal Transport Minister Anita Anand to discuss airfare costs.
Labrador MP Yvonne Jones has also arranged a meeting between government representatives and PAL next week in St. John's. Rumbolt said she will be in attendance, too.
"We're going to fight hard," said Rumbolt.
NDP MHA Jordan Brown, who represents Labrador West, said he has not been invited to the meeting, alleging that the issue is being politicized.
He said he has been raising this issue for years.
"This has been a long-standing issue for Labradorians and we've been making a lot of noise — but now want to make more noise because we just had enough," he said.
It's the federal government that needs to step up to solve this problem, said Brown, adding that unequal air access impacts northern and rural communities across Canada, not just Labrador.
"They have to do their part, but it's just falling on deaf ears," said Brown.
Wabush Mayor Ron Barron also attended Saturday's protest to support the cause. He said people want an inquiry into airfare costs.
"Our provincial counterparts should be pushing for that inquiry," Barron said.
A Wabush town councillor will be in St. John's to attend the meeting with PAL, he said, but suggested regional MHAs should be invited as well.
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With files from Labrador Morning