April Fools or not?
Niagara Falls, Ontario - Saturday, March 28, 2002 - by: Joe Hueglin
	The newly established Canadian Air Transport Security Authority by assuming full responsibility for costs associated with pre-board screening of airline passengers is saving the airlines money. They undoubtedly have on their balances sheets what they had to pay out previously.
	Finance Minister Martin has promised
	"if revenue from the charge exceeds the cost of enhanced air security, the charge will be lowered".
	Passengers will be paying double for screening if fares are not reduced to match airlines savings.
	A question Martin must answer is will this fare reduction be made? Or will air travellers have an expensive April Fools' joke played on them?
	Joe Hueglin
Reference:
	"Quite simply, if revenue from the charge exceeds the cost of enhanced air security, the charge will be lowered," Mr. Martin said in a statement Thursday.
	The authority will be responsible for all screening equipment at airports, including explosives detection systems, and for working with the RCMP to have armed officers on board aircraft. It will also be responsible for costs associated with the pre-board screening of airline passengers. These costs were previously borne by the airlines. Globe and Mail