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News Release

Canadian Transportation Agency Rules on Air Canada's New Firearms Charge

OTTAWA - November 3, 2006 - The Canadian Transportation Agency today dismissed complaints concerning a new charge of $50 imposed by Air Canada for carrying firearms.

In Decision No. 613-C-A-2006, the Agency recognized that the charge was not unreasonable as the carriage of firearms requires additional and special handling procedures. Furthermore, the Agency determined that Air Canada's terms and conditions were not discriminatory since the charge applied equally to all passengers carrying firearms.

In making its decision, the Agency indicated that, while a balance must be struck between the rights of the passengers and the air carriers' statutory, commercial and operational obligations, air carriers should, in general, have the flexibility to establish their terms and conditions of carriage and to price their services as they see fit.

The Canadian Transportation Agency is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates various modes of transportation under Government of Canada jurisdiction, including air, marine and rail. Its decision-making process is governed by the rules of fairness to ensure that all parties in a complaint receive equitable treatment.

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For further information, please contact:

Jadrino Huot
Senior Communications Adviser
(819) 953-9957

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