Rural Travellers Left Behind By Campbell’s Double Standard
VICTORIA— The Campbell government is leaving behind rural British Columbians who plan to travel during the Olympics, say the New Democrats.
Several New Democrat MLAs blasted Gordon Campbell in the legislature Monday for his failure to help out small airports and airlines that will be harmed by security measures that will add hours to flight times for rural British Columbians.
Alberni-Qualicum MLA Scott Fraser said some small airlines face financial collapse because the service disruptions will have a profound impact on their business.
Scott Fraser
“Last week I spoke with Lars and Diana Banke. They own and operate KD Air out of Qualicum Beach,” said Fraser in question period. “They estimate that they're going to lose a quarter of million dollars. That could put them out of business. They have 15 employees. What are they — collateral damage with this government?”
Under Olympic security rules travelers originating in many rural airports will not be allowed to fly directly to Vancouver. They will instead have to land at another airport, unload and screen all passengers and cargo before they are allowed to continue to VancouverInternational Airport.
Norm Macdonald , MLA for Columbia-River Revelstoke, said the 
Norm MacdonaldCampbell government is providing Vancouver airports with passenger screening security equipment.
Macdonald said the Campbell government has fixed the problem for VancouverHarbour, Vancouver Harbour Floatplane, Vancouver Harbour Helicopter, Vancouver South Side, Vancouver South Side River.
“Vancouver, Vancouver, Vancouver,” he said. “The communities that are not helped — and these will be familiar, as the minister travelled around: Bella Bella, Bella Coola, Fort Nelson, Grand Forks, Mackenzie, Powell River, Qualicum Beach.”
The finance minister refused to offer a reason why Vancouver airports are getting assistance from the Campbell government while rural airports and rural air travelers are being left behind.
