Band Says It Has Allies In Fight With Airline

Band Says It Has Allies In Fight With Airline

Friday, November 12, 2010 at 14:48

The chief of the Fond du Lac First Nation continues efforts to convince Pronto Airways to stop service to his community.

Pronto started passenger service to Fond du Lac this month despite objections from the chief and council, who are concerned the band will lose money it gets from a stake in rival airline Transwest Air.

Napoleon Mercredi says he has the support of both the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Prince Albert Grand Council.

He says the FSIN recently passed a resolution denouncing Pronto’s actions, while PAGC chiefs voiced their support for his band’s opposition to Pronto’s move during an emergency meeting.

Mercredi says Pronto obtained a licence from the province without consulting him or his council.

He also says Pronto is operating without a proper terminal at Fond du Lac, and with the colder weather it is becoming a safety issue.

Mercredi says legal action is still an option, but it would be a last resort.