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Media Advisory

Canadian Transportation Agency holds public hearing on additional air travel costs paid by persons with disabilities

TORONTO - November 10, 2006 - The Canadian Transportation Agency will hold its second phase of a public hearing in Toronto beginning November 14, 2006 to continue its investigation into three complaints with respect to air travel costs. These complaints concern the fares and charges of domestic air travel for persons with disabilities who require additional seating to accommodate their disabilities, whether for themselves or for their attendants. Members of the general public and media are welcome to attend as observers.

The second stage of the hearing is to be held:

	Date:	Beginning on Tuesday, November 14, 2006
	Time:	9:00 a.m. (Eastern time)
	Place:	InterContinental Hotel Barclay Room 220 Bloor Street West Toronto, Ontario

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Three complaints were filed by the late Eric Norman, Joanne Neubauer and the Council of Canadians with Disabilities against Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz and WestJet with respect to air fares, and against the Gander International Airport Authority and the Air Transport Association of Canada with respect to airport improvement fees.

The issues surrounding the fares and charges levied on persons with disabilities in air travel are long-standing and complex. In this case, the Agency determined that a public hearing would be the most effective way to gather the evidence it needed to thoroughly and accurately assess if these fares and charges represent undue obstacles to the travel of persons with disabilities.

The hearing was divided into two stages to hear and consider the evidence and to allow the parties themselves adequate time to prepare their positions as well as to challenge the other parties' positions.

The first phase of the oral hearing was held in Toronto from May 30 to June 3, 2005 where facts, information and preliminary evidence was gathered from the applicants and air carrier respondents. Phase I concluded with a one-day oral hearing on October 14, 2005 to gather further evidence from parties. Since then, the parties have filed additional materials and expert reports in preparation for Phase II.

Following the second phase of the hearing, which is expected to end no later than December 1, 2006, the Agency will determine if these fares and charges represent undue obstacles and if so, should the Agency order corrective measures. A decision is expected to be issued in 2007. When making decisions, the Agency must balance the interest of consumers and those of the carriers. The weighing of those interests is carried out in a fair and transparent manner.

The Canadian Transportation Agency is an independent Government of Canada quasi-judicial tribunal. Its mandate includes the responsibility to eliminate undue obstacles to the mobility of persons with disabilities within the federal transportation network. Its mission is to administer transportation legislation, regulations and Government of Canada policies to help achieve an efficient and accessible transportation network.

The Canadian Transportation Agency has, in law, all the powers, rights and privileges of a Superior Court. Due to the quasi-judicial nature of the hearing, panel members will not answer reporters' questions. Reporters may try to interview participants or their representatives before or after the day's session, or during breaks and lunch. A spokesperson for the Agency will be available on site to answer general questions about the Agency and the hearing process.

The Agency will permit cameras in the hearing room, to take still photos or footage of the panel members and participants. Reporters may stay throughout the duration of the hearing and may tape-record the proceedings.

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For further information, please contact:

Lyne Giroux
Senior Communications Adviser
(819) 953-8926

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