Travel too expensive for Nunavut too

I have read the letter from Salluit, Nunavik (June 11, 1999) about air travel costs.

Talk about expensive air fares is not surprising here in the Nunavut regions. I live in Kimmirut, about 125 kilometres from Iqaluit. We know that living up North is not cheap, but I think we pay too much for some services, and that First Air, the lone air service provider to Kimmirut, is no different.

Kimmirut is serviced by Twin Otter flights, and the ride is about 30 minutes away from Iqaluit. Today the return fare is just under $300, approximately $290, with no seat sales available.

When Kenn Borek started flying here for a while, there was competition. Kenn Borek made a lot of difference, but then Kenn Borek dropped out.

At that time, the fares were as low as $99 one way. I would like to see competition again and we would like to see Kenn Borek again. With more support, Kenn Borek can compete and be successful.

First Air is not doing much to lower their fares. They just seem to want a bigger profit. There was an article that said First Air made a profit again this year.

First Air does not even offer discount fares to and from smaller communities. Why? Is it possible? Can we be heard by an Inuit-owned company that they should look into this matter?

We would like to see discount fares made available, at least once in a while, or include special fares from smaller communities when they advertise their special fares on southern routes , or even have special discount fares, for example on Canada Day, or specials to our new capital of Nunavut.

I would like to see First Air respond if they care about us.

(Name witheld by request) Kimmirut