No. H116/05
For release May 26, 2005

RELEASE OF CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ON THE
CANADA-UNITED STATES AIR TRANSPORT AGREEMENT

OTTAWA — Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today released a consultation document on the Canada-United States Air Transport Agreement.

The document seeks stakeholder views on how the 1995 Air Transport Agreement between Canada and the United States could be further liberalized, as well as on the long-term direction of the air transport relationship between the two countries.

"For the Government of Canada, the goal of air liberalization is to encourage the development of new markets, new services, lower prices and greater competition to the benefit of Canadians, while ensuring a strong and vibrant air transport industry," said Mr. Lapierre. "As momentum for greater air liberalization around the world grows, the Canadian air transportation sector is well positioned to pursue opportunities in international markets."

This focused consultation follows a February 24, 2005, commitment by the Minister of Transport and the American Secretary of Transportation, Norman Y. Mineta, to explore further liberalization of the air transport relationship between Canada and the United States in the near term, and is part of Transport Canada’s ongoing mandate to manage Canada’s bilateral air relationships with other countries.

To obtain a copy of the consultation document, please visit Transport Canada’s air policy website.

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