May 28, 1999 (6:40 p.m. EDT) No. 124

CANADA WELCOMES ADOPTION OF

THE NEW MONTREAL CONVENTION

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the results of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conference, which ratified the adoption of the new Montreal Convention.

"As an active member of the UN and the host country of the ICAO, Canada is proud to recognize all the accomplishments of this important conference," said Mr. Axworthy. "The adoption of the Montreal Convention underscores the Organization's willingness and ability to respond to new international challenges."

The Montreal Convention will give consumers greater opportunity to institute legal proceedings in the countries where they reside in the event of incidents for which compensation is sought. It also eliminates any limitation on carriers' liability for bodily injuries sustained on board an aircraft. This new agreement is the product of a lengthy and arduous process of consolidating and modernizing the air transport rules established by the Warsaw System in 1929. Over 50 countries are expected to sign the new Montreal Convention today.

Representing Minister Axworthy, the Secretary of State for Canada Economic Development (Quebec Regions), Martin Cauchon, participated at the signing ceremony of the supplementary Canada-ICAO agreement regarding the Organization's Montreal headquarters.

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874