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OTTAWA — Richmond-based Canada Jetlines is seeking federal help as it tries to raise $50 million to launch an ultra-low-cost airline charging 30 per cent less than Air Canada and WestJet.

The company has asked Transport Minister Marc Garneau to give the company an exemption allowing foreign ownership to reach 49 per cent, up from the current maximum of 25 per cent.

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And Jetlines says it has rounded up supportive letters from the Vancouver International Airport, municipalities and airports in Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George, as well as the Prince George and Richmond chambers of commerce.

Also offering support is Liberal Sports and Disabilities Minister Carla Qualtrough and interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose.

Qualtrough wrote to cabinet colleague Garneau touting the company’s projection that the new national airline would generate up to 1.1 million new passenger trips in B.C. alone, as well as create 850 direct jobs and more than $850 million in economic benefits.