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http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/19380 printed on Tuesday, October 14, 2008

ACTA and ATAC urge government to eliminate the air travellers` security charge
The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) joins the Air Transport Association of Canada in urging the federal government to eliminate the Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC). Since enhanced security measures in airports and on airplanes benefit all Canadians and not only airline passengers, any significant security enhancement that has to be made by the government should be financed from general tax revenues.

ACTA believes it is unacceptable to see a surplus of revenues over expenses of $80 million in this program as shown in audited financial statements released today by the Department of Finance.

“ACTA has been asking for the removal of the Air Travellers Security Charge since its inception advocating that every other significant security enhancement made in the wake of 9-11 was financed from tax revenues”, said ACTA President and CEO Christiane Theberge.

“It’s time that the government act to significantly reduce the unsustainable burden of almost $1B of government fees and surtaxes imposed on the air travel sector that are ultimately passed down to the travel consumer.” Theodore Koumelis - Friday, August 24, 2007