Chiefs calling for investigation into Perimeter Aviation's air service monopoly
![Perimeter Aviation First Nation leaders are calling for an investigation into Perimeter Aviation's air service monopoly in Island Lakes.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/9/6/perimeter-aviation-1-6550291-1694030618614.jpg)
A group of Manitoba First Nation leaders are calling for an investigation into what they say is a monopoly over air service in Island Lakes.
On Wednesday, Grand Chief Scott Harper and the Chiefs of Anisininew Nation held a news conference to urge Transport Canada to investigate Perimeter Aviation’s “structured monopoly” of the air services for Island Lake’s 15,000 members.
The chiefs said the airline is not meeting the community’s needs, noting there are continued flight delays and cancellations. They said these airline issues are creating hardships and inconveniences, including members missing medical appointments in Winnipeg.
“There are so many stories that we hear, so many posts even on social media, pictures of the airline, what [the members] have to go through. That really does something to the people,” Harper said.
The First Nation leaders said that Perimeter recently increased rates for travel and baggage without consulting or giving notice them.
They added that they feel the agreement between the Anisininew Nation and Perimeter’s parent company favours the airline and is a monopoly agreement.
The chiefs are now concerned that Perimeter is taking advantage of Island Lake’s dependence on air travel, saying that the agreement enriches the airline but does not improve the quality of life for the members of Island Lakes.
“All these changes that have happened without any consultation, I would say, lack of consultation or even letting the communities know adequately,” Harper said.
Joey Petrisor, president and CEO of Perimeter, said that the airline has been serving the north for over six decades, attributing its longevity to infrastructure investment, continuous training, and to working with the communities it serves.
Petrisor said the airline has faced challenges, with the most recent being supply chain issues and the industry-wide shortage of pilots and aircraft mechanics. He noted these challenges have created service issues, which Perimeter is working to address.
“We take the comments brought forward by Anisininew Okimawin Nation very seriously and will continue to work with our stakeholders as we have done in the past, to resolve their concerns,” Petrisor said in a statement.
“We meet with our communities regularly to listen to concerns; we flew to St Theresa Point yesterday to meet with Chief and Council in community.”
CTV News Winnipeg has reached out to Transport Canada for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6978649.1722015109!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump's near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president's ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former president's injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.