No. H166/06
For release November 27, 2006

BLUE SKY: CANADA TAKES ITS
INTERNATIONAL AIR POLICY TO NEW HEIGHTS 

OTTAWA - A new international air transportation policy called Blue Sky was announced today by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Canada’s New Government has introduced Blue Sky to create opportunities for travellers, businesses and the air industry.

"Air transportation connects Canadians to each other and to the world. It is about moving people and goods, and it is about supporting tourism and economic development across Canada," said Minister Cannon. "Canada’s new international air policy will encourage the development of new markets, new services and greater competition. For travellers, this means more choices in terms of destinations, flights and routes."

To help Canada’s air industry continue to make great contributions to our country's growth and prosperity, Canada has developed a modernized policy for international air transportation. The new policy reflects the evolving nature of the global aviation market. Transport Canada consulted with stakeholders on the new international air policy, which reflects general comments received during consultations.

Canada’s previous approach was to gradually reduce restrictions in air agreements. Under the new policy, the focus will be to pursue the negotiation of open skies-type agreements when it is in Canada’s overall interest.

The text of the Blue Sky policy is available on the Transport Canada website at: www.tc.gc.ca/bluesky.

- 30 -

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.