Greens Call for Re-think of Flight Security Plans

SIDNEY, BC–The Green Party of Canada is concerned that security is trumping safety when it comes to an Olympic security plan that would see customers of Salt Spring Island airlines having to be flown to Nanaimo for security screening before heading to Vancouver. “The owners and pilots of the local airlines are extremely concerned about the safety of this security plan and they have not yet had an answer from Transport Minister Baird,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May.

A flight from Salt Spring Island to Vancouver usually takes about twenty minutes, compared to several hours by ferry, but Transport Canada and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority are saying that passengers will have to be diverted 48km north to Nanaimo for security screening. Saltspring Air says this plan will jeopardize flights because it forces the pilots to fly into stormier areas over open water. Also, because the flight would take three times as long, light conditions become a concern, as the pilots can’t fly in the dark.

More than 1 600 residents of Salt Spring Island have signed a petition against the plan. Three small airlines, Saltspring Air, Seair Seaplanes and Harbour Air will be affected.

“The proposed solution is to build a temporary screening facility on Salt Spring. This appears to be a cost effective measure to ensure the safety of these passengers,” said May. “One of the local airlines is already cancelling flights because they are so concerned. We need to work with the local communities so that the Olympics can be a positive and exciting opportunity for everyone.”

Contact:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
(c) 613-240-8921
media@greenparty.ca
www.greenparty.ca

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