For immediate release

March 31, 2005

Letter to the Editor

Dear sir,

I am writing to set the record straight about a couple of articles that recently appeared in your newspaper that wrongfully suggested that I was in a conflict of interest after becoming President and CEO of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).

It is true that I once sat on the Board of Directors of one of a handful of airport security providers and that I once owned some options in the same organization. But I resigned from the Board before I joined CATSA and divested my options well within the standards expected of public office holders such as myself.

I should also point out that the Board of Directors at CATSA was fully aware of my past when they hired me and the process that led to my appointment in 2002 could not have been more transparent and open.

Your readers should also be made aware that I have never participated in the evaluation of tender offers for airport security screening providers. CATSA has a contract review committee headed by the Chief Financial Officer, who is responsible for ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely by our corporation. For screening contracts, we use an outside firm to assist us in the development of requests for proposals (RFPs). The awarding of screening contracts is also reviewed by a fairness advisor and, finally, a post independent audit is conducted to further ensure the entire process is fair and objective prior to awarding the contract.

In short, I am proud of the achievements CATSA has so far accomplished. CATSA remains committed to the highest standards of airport security and passenger safety and will continue its vigilance on behalf of the Canadian flying public. I hope I can count on reports that meet a higher standard of fairness and accuracy from your newspaper in the future.

Jacques Duchesneau, C.M.
President and CEO
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

For more information, please contact:
Jacqueline Bannister (613) 998-4527