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Your Next Flight Home Might Cost You 20% More, and First Nations Chiefs Showed Up to the Alberta Legislature. The Government Didn't Want to Listen.
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Your Next Flight Home Might Cost You 20% More
The war in Iran is about to hit your travel budget. Jet fuel prices have risen about a third since last summer, and airlines are trying to let you know that ticket prices are going to have to follow. WestJet said "further pricing adjustments may be needed." Air Canada says it’s still watching, but fuel surcharges are likely to appear on international flights within the next couple of weeks.
Fuel makes up about 30% of an airline's operating costs, and roughly 75% of jet fuel's price is tied directly to crude oil, which briefly hit US$120 a barrel on Monday before easing back to about US$90. A one-way flight from Newark to Quebec City on Air Canada has nearly tripled to $1,499 when compared to a week ago. International long-haul fares could climb 20% or more - think $200 to $300 on top of what you'd normally expect pay. Domestic and short-haul routes might get off lighter, with 5% to 10% increases.
On top of the fuel costs, Middle East airspace closures are forcing pilots to reroute, making flights longer (and therefore using more fuel). If you’re planning summer travel: buy now.
Read more: The Globe and Mail / Reuters
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A photo from the old country:
First Nations Chiefs Showed Up to the AB Legislature. The Government Didn't Want to Listen.
About a dozen First Nations chiefs, bedecked in ceremonial headdresses, sat in the gallery at the Alberta legislature on Monday and watched as opposition leader Naheed Nenshi tried to force a non-confidence vote over the province's handling of the separation movement. Premier Danielle Smith's majority shut it down.
Treaty 6, 7, and 8 leaders have unanimously passed a symbolic non-confidence motion against the UCP government, arguing that the independence petition is an infringement of their treaty rights and several First Nations are challenging the referendum legislation in court. "Our rights are being minimized," said Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine. "Our people are being minimized at every level."
A delegation from Treaty 6 flew to England on Monday to meet with King Charles, with a plan to remind him that their treaties are with the Crown, not with Alberta. The separation petition needs about 178,000 signatures by May 2 to force a referendum. Polls show about 26% of Albertans currently support independence, and nearly two-thirds remain against it. The Calgary Chamber of Commerce said more than half of Calgarians think that even the debate, alone, is already hurting the provincial economy.
Read more: Global News / The Globe and Mail