No. H136/06
For release November 8, 2006

11^th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
MOBILITY AND TRANSPORT FOR
ELDERLY AND DISABLED PERSONS (TRANSED)

OTTAWA − The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, is very pleased to announce that the Honourable Lise Thibault, Lieutenant Governor of Québec, has agreed to serve as Honorary President for the 11th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED). The conference will be held from June 18 to 21, 2007, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal Convention Centre, in the exhibition area. Ms. Thibault will open the conference on June 18, 2007, at 7:00 p.m.

Under the theme "Benchmarking, Evaluation and Vision for the Future," the conference will review advances in research, profile international breakthroughs and explore perspectives for technological innovations in order to respond to the mobility challenges of an aging population and of persons with disabilities.

"This international conference will give delegates from around the world the opportunity to review global advancements in accessible transportation," said Minister Cannon. "Canada’s New Government supports the development of innovative transportation services and infrastructure to increase mobility for all Canadians and visitors."

The TRANSED conference is held every three years in different countries — the last two were held in Japan and Poland — and is an exceptional opportunity for the accessible transportation sector, because it attracts researchers, decision-makers, and other specialists from around the world to share innovations and best practices. TRANSED is also an opportunity to identify challenges and work together to address them. To date, representatives from 38 countries have registered.

"The challenges associated with an aging population and people with disabilities are key issues for me," said Lieutenant Governor Thibault. "I understand that the need for mobility-related independence is a major concern among both the elderly and people with disabilities. I am proud to participate in such a unique event aimed at making our societies more accessible."

Ms. Thibault has been involved with many Québec social agencies such as the Réseau d'information des aînés du Québec (RIAQ) and the Québec Society for Disabled Children. Over her career, she has acted as the president and executive director of the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec.

Transport Canada is pleased to welcome the Lieutenant Governor's participation and is looking forward to working with her to promote and advance barrier-free transportation.

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