NNSL (Dec 08/97) - The Qikiqtani Inuit Association, serving 13 Baffin communities, is criticizing First Air's decision to raise passenger and cargo prices.

Passenger fares on all First Air flights will go up six per cent (three per cent on Jan. 1 and three per cent on March 1). Cargo rates will jump a whopping 10 per cent by March 1.

"It's a wrong decision that will have a major impact on the everyday lives of Inuit. It will hurt our elders. They travel to other communities to visit their families. Costs will rise for Inuit who ship supplies in. People can't afford this," said association executive committee member Moses Appaqaq Jr.

Qikiqtani said First Air has shown a healthy profit over the past year.

Inuit-owned First Air announced Nov. 18 it will raise rates because of overall economic conditions in the North and because of proposed new NAVCanada fees.

NAVCanada is the non-profit private organization created to run the country's air navigation systems. NAVCanada representatives are currently hosting information meetings in the North.