Naturally, the challenge that we face today is the fact that we only get two flights per week during the non-traditional tourism season, such as October and November. It creates a lot of issues in terms of medical travel.
For instance, if I went to the doctor on Monday and got my blood work done on Monday—or Tuesday, for that matter—in some cases it does not make its way to Winnipeg until Friday. However, also understand that the Churchill Health Centre has a contract with a smaller air service carrier to move some of its patients and some of its health professionals to Winnipeg, as well as some of the blood work that's being done, but there are times when it's really stretched.
What's happened is that it has really affected the economy. When you only have two flights per week, it really strains the economy on the accommodation sector, the services, the people wanting to fly in and out, and the tourism industry, for that matter, that is not able to fulfill its arrangements for bookings. Therefore, it becomes really challenging. I think it really puts us back as a community, especially as a tourism destination and with people who want to travel out.
For instance, I will also say that if I am to travel on short notice to Winnipeg, the return air ticket is $2,400, and for some people, that is unacceptable. With regard to the whole aspect of generating economic benefits to the community, it is really critical that we have responsible air service at least five times per week.