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Media Advisory

Canadian Transportation Agency to hold a public hearing concerning fares and charges paid for domestic air travel by persons who require additional seating to accommodate their disabilities

TORONTO - May 26, 2005 - The Canadian Transportation Agency will hold a one-week public hearing in Toronto beginning May 30, 2005, to investigate four complaints concerning the cost 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 are welcome to attend as observers.

These complaints were filed by Barry Growe, 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. Throughout the oral hearing, the Agency will gather further information from the applicants, respondents and expert witnesses so it can determine if these fares and charges represent undue obstacles to the travel of persons with disabilities and, if so, should the Agency order corrective measures.

The Agency has concluded that a two-stage hearing is required 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 second stage of the hearing is likely to be held early in 2006.

The first stage of the hearing is to be held:

	Date:	Beginning on Monday, May 30, 2005
	Time:	9:00 a.m. (Eastern time)
	Place:	Holiday Inn 370 King Street West Toronto, Ontario Room 206

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.

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IMPORTANT NOTE TO ASSIGNMENT EDITORS

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, at specified locations only. Reporters may stay throughout the duration of the hearing and may tape-record.

For further information, please contact:

Lyne Giroux
Senior Communications Adviser
(819) 953-8926

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