Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Jun 15/01) - The high cost of living will jump if the proposed highway toll introduced this week is implemented.
Under the proposed legislation, freighting goods from the Alberta/NWT border will cost an additional $330-$1,240 per load.
The government anticipates the toll, charged in the form of trip permit fees, will allow the government to invest $100 million in the road system over the next four years.
While regular MLAs agreed there was a need to invest more in the highway system, their main concern was the impact the toll would have on the cost of living, particularly in light of the skyrocketing fuel costs.
"I'm hoping the department will come forward with a report on what the real impacts of this will be, not just assumptions," said Inuvik MLA Floyd Roland.
In an attempt to offset the higher cost of freighted goods passed on to consumers, the government is also increasing the northern cost-of-living income tax deduction, which will come into effect this tax year.
The government is proposing to introduce the toll on all commercial vehicles weighing 12,000 kilograms or more by Jan. 1, 2002.
Finance Minister Joe Handley said a consultation process will be held before the details of the tax are finalized.
Only two members of the assembly -- North Slave MLA Leon Lafferty and Mackenzie Delta MLA David Krutko -- voted against the bill introducing the tolls.
The bill is expected to be finalized during the fall session of the legislative assembly.
