That's not quite what I said. Having the airlines/passengers pay the cost is consistent with the general Federal approach that the costs of the airline industry be borne by the industry/ticket prices - think of NAVCAN fees, AIF, etc. It's a significant contrast to the US approach where the infrastructure of flying is heavily subsidized.

I think the US approach is probably better for a bunch of reasons. It builds out infrastructure that may not be initially viable but stimulates access, development and economic activity over the long run. It encourages air travel and tourism within Canada, both stimulating foreign tourism and tourism by Canadians within Canada, (which might even help our endless national unity problems). It may even lower barriers to entry for new airlines, which would help stimulate competition in the domestic market.

Perhaps one of our learned economists can weigh in.