News Release Archive
TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNICATIONS--COAST GUARD CONSULTATION ------------------------------------------------------------ Changes being considered by the Coast Guard to the principles on charges for navigational aids confirm that Commissioner John Thomas has not heard and does not understand the concerns of Atlantic ports, Transportation and Communications Minister Richie Mann said today. In a letter to Commissioner Thomas, the minister criticized the Coast Guard for apparently reaching a decision on the necessary compromises before he comes to Atlantic Canada for "consultation" scheduled for next week. "If the decision has been made on what changes will be considered by the commissioner, his consultation is nothing but a patronizing sham, with no intent to listen or adjust to the needs of this region," the minister said. "These principles will do irreparable damage to the one of Canada's, and the world's, finest ports, as well as to business and industry throughout the Atlantic region," Mr. Mann said. The minister reiterated his support for fair and equitable user fees for navigational aids, but "any accommodation or compromise solution, that does not include some type of distance component that relates services used with charges imposed, is completely fruitless and not worthy of further discussion or debate. With proper principles, the Province of Nova Scotia stands willing to look at options, but we insist that the end policy must be based on fair and reasonable principles." Mr. Mann has also requested an early meeting with Fisheries Minister Fred Mifflin to discuss the issue of Coast Guard charges for navigational aids. Today's letter was in response to a Coast Guard release indicating that a compromise could be based on a fee for cargo, rather than gross registered tonnes which was their earlier position. Nova Scotian port operators and users contend that their coastal location requires far less use of navigational aids, and, therefore, distance would form part of any fair fee policy. -30- Contact: Donna McCready 902-424-8687 trp Feb. 02, 1996 - 4:27 p.m.