No. H169/05
For release August 2, 2005

TRANSPORT MINISTER ISSUES
STATEMENT ON TORONTO AIR CRASH

OTTAWA — Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today released the following statement concerning the crash of an Air France aircraft at Pearson International Airport today:

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would first like to say that our thoughts and support go out to those impacted by this terrible accident. I am pleased that initial reports indicate that the number of people injured is low and that no fatalities have been reported."

"We are co-operating fully with the Transportation Safety Board, which will be the lead investigating agency responding to this accident, as well as French authorities. Transport Canada personnel are on scene to assist and will keep me informed on the investigation’s progress. I will also be appointing an official Ministerial Observer to the investigation to maintain contact with the Transportation Safety Board. Any safety deficiencies uncovered through this investigation would be addressed immediately."

"Safety is Transport Canada’s top priority. We will continue to work with the Transportation Safety Board to do all we can to maintain and enhance the safety of Canada’s air sector.”

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