News Release Archive
TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNICATIONS--COAST GUARD CONSULTATION
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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.
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Contact: Donna McCready 902-424-8687
trp Feb. 02, 1996 - 4:27 p.m.