Competition Bureau hears complaints on northern airlines codeshare

Representatives from the Canadian Competition Bureau are in Nunavuthearingcomplaints fromgovernmentsabout the codeshare arrangement between airlinesFirst Air,Canadian North and Calm Air.

The airlines announced in May they would begin "codesharing" some routes, selling seats and cargo space on the other airline's flights.

NunavutPremierPeterTaptunasays the territorial government has serious concerns, sayingthe airlines are not living up to the promises they made to the legislature to keep prices low and services intact.

"Flying inNunavutis not a luxury," he says.

"It's one of the things that we depend on to get our food. Our fresh vegetables and produce, it has to be flown in, and it's getting to a point where we are getting a lot of complaints from every community."

Taptunasays the GN, as the airlines' biggest customer, has been deeply affected. He says medical shipments are not being sent on time and GN workers are being left stranded in other communities for days.

Taptunasays he sent a letter to the airlines on Tuesday demanding answers.

Iqaluitcity council also expressed concerns to the Competition Bureau representatives.Councillorssay business is one thingbut they're concerned residents are being gouged.

"All of us are northerners;we all understand how the system works, you know, weather and short delays," sayscouncillorKenny Bell.

"But thiscodeshareis bringing on a whole new set of problems."

A spokesperson for the Canadian Competition Bureau says itconsults with "a wide range of industry participants, such as suppliers, competitors, industry associations, customers and industry experts" when reviewing transactions. She added the bureau is required by law to conduct its reviews confidentially.