Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist
GASPÉ – The mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté is accusing Pascan airline of inflating its rates following the announcement of the updated Regional Air Access Program (PAAR) 2.0 tabled by the Minister of Transport, Geneviève Guilbault in December at Michel-Pouliot airport in Gaspé.
Daniel Côté made this statement following a detailed analysis of the new PAAR program that will be in effect as of February 3. The PAAR program is not the problem.
“When we apply the government discount percentage to the PAL Airlines ticket, we arrive at around $500 for a round trip Gaspé-Quebec or Gaspé-Montreal. With Pascan, it doesn’t work. The prices were inflated shortly before the announcement. The prices are $600-700 for a round trip and not $500,” calculates Daniel Côté, who indicates that before the program was announced, the two carriers displayed an equivalent price grid.
The Québec government has been made aware of this issue. “We were told that they were going to check and discuss the issue with Pascan. They were a little surprised,” maintains the elected official on the sidelines of the January 13 council meeting.
In his opinion, the program remains good, whether it be the program that now applies to flights between Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands, the fact that non-profit organizations can benefit from the program or the end of the maximum usage limit for users.
Pascan retorts that fares were not inflated before the announcement, according to co-owner Yani Gagnon, who learned of these comments from The SPEC. Before reacting further, Mr. Gagnon wanted to speak with Mayor Côté.
A profitable airport
Unlike other regional airports that are recording deficits, the Gaspé airport is doing well.
The mayor mentions that the Michel-Pouliot Airport should end the 2024 fiscal year with a balanced budget, based on overall expenditures of $1.5 million.
Regular use by two carriers, Pascan and PAL, generates landing fees. In addition, the airport brings in more revenue with additional services. “All the aircraft electricity charging systems, we provide the fuel, the de-icing of the aircraft, all the services are now offered by the airport instead of dealing with a subcontractor. We are now making a profit from these operations, which makes the activities profitable,” illustrates the mayor. For example, Baie-Comeau recorded a deficit of $350,000 in 2024.
Bilingualism: No news from the Quebec Government
Gaspé has not heard back from the Quebec Government following a request to give a little more latitude to communicate in English with citizens of the English-speaking community.
Bill 96 requires communications in French, except in tourist communications or in emergency situations.
“There is no response. The law was adopted for all of Quebec. There is no exemption for Gaspé. I imagine we will have to respect it,” says Mr. Côté.
Vision Gaspe Perce Now will translate and transmit the communications. “They do it of their own free will. I applaud this initiative,” notes the mayor, who would like Quebec to take into account the historical particularity of Gaspé.
Canadian and international instability
The threats of 25% tariffs by American President-elect Donald Trump, the resignation of Liberal leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on January 6, and the uncertainty caused, not to mention world events, particularly those in South Korea or armed conflicts, are of concern to the mayor of Gaspé.
Daniel Côté mentions that several sectors of the local and regional economy are at risk. “Our fishing industry exports a lot to the United States. Our wind industry exports almost exclusively to the United States. If there are 25% tariffs on everything manufactured here, it will hurt our economy,” notes the elected official.
“We have to stick together, our business community or our council have to stick together to at least provide a minimum of stability to weather this storm. It’s part of my wishes for 2025,” the mayor mentions as a possible solution, admitting that in the end, it might not change much, but he adds that it’s worth a try.