[Paddlewise] Marine Service Fee

Hi All,
        As the Canadian Coastguard has declared it's intent of eventually
licensing all boaters, the licensing of commercial kayak fleets appears to
be the thin of a wedge. Also, as nearly all novice kayakers rent from
outfitters before they purchase their own boats, the costs of kayak rentals
in Canada will go up. Personally I'm sick of politicians downloading costs
to residents, especially as our tax rates are already high. I'm mad and
wrote the following letter to David Anderson who is the Minister responsible
for the Coastguard. If anyone wishes to follow my example go ahead. David
Anderson's E-mail is Anderson.D_at_parl.gc.ca.
_____________________________________________________________________
Dear Mr Anderson,
	As you are the Minister responsible for the Coast Guard, I tell you I am
horrified by the proposed extension of the Marine Service Fee to include
small human powered craft rented by outfitters (kayaks). This decision by
your Ministry lacks foresight, except in the short term goal of collecting
additional revenue.
	Your government has consistently downloaded costs of national services to
residents on a user pay basis and consequently degrades the basic services
that National governments should fund from regular taxation. The policy is
not even consistent in its application, motorists don't pay the full costs
of roads and bridges, various areas of sport and culture receive subsidies,
despite their often minority significance, and Canadians suffer while large
corporations reap untold benefits.
	With respect to kayaking, a sport which has grown phenomenally, the
application of the Marine Service fee is particularly shortsighted. Kayaking
offers thousands of Canadians participation in physical activity, the
uncalculated benefits of a healthy population on the costs of Healthcare
must be considered. Canadians are the ones who rent kayaks, there are
tourism dollars in the mix, but outfitters confirm that they rent
predominately to Canadians.
	Kayak outfitters already assume enormous responsibilities in ensuring the
safety and competence of renters. I suggest you compare Coastguard reports
of kayaks in trouble to other rented vessels and you will see what a superb
job they do. They instruct in kayak safety, navigation and technique,
without which the danger to participating Canadians would be significantly
increased. (I dread the day when Costco sells kayaks in Canada.)
	Novice kayakers rent and receive instruction from outfitters before they
are ready to purchase their own boat. To discourage this initiative with
additional costs, which will inevitably be downloaded to the users, shows an
incredible lack of concern for the average Canadian. In addition,
specifically on the West Coast, the kayak manufacturing industry will be
penalized, because although supportive to outfitters, they gain a showcase
for their products. International tourists are impressed by the quality and
prices and seek the products in their own markets. To add more cost to the
tourists, discourages tourism and the kayaking industry.
	I understand the Marine Service Fee is designed to pay for the upkeep of
Canada's navigational waters, but it is unclear whether Marine Service Fees
will be used to improve navigational aids or just swallowed into general
revenues. Kayakers have specific navigational requirements which obviously
will not be met in the Fee's current structure and application.
	The proposed extension of this fee to commercial kayak outfitters is ill
conceived, especially as the industry was not consulted, not all outfitters
(many are very small businesses) are listed by the Coastguard and the
collection of this fee is being administered by the Western Marine Community
Association whose fiduciary relationship to the Government is quite unclear.
(Is it a private collection agency?)
	I would therefore suggest that your department reconsiders this tax. It is
an unfair burden on all Canadians who seek recreation on our tidal waters. 
	Yours truly,


	Chris Banner.
	#117 - 310 Robert St.
	Victoria. B.C.
	V9A 3Z4
	Tel: 250 - 382-6617
	E-mail: cbanner_at_pacificcoast.net

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