SPEAKING NOTES FOR
THE HONOURABLE LAWRENCE CANNON,
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE
AND COMMUNITIES, ON JOINT TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES BETWEEN CANADA
AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
TRANSPORT CANADA, OTTAWA
JUNE 20, 2007
It is my privilege today to meet with my colleague, Jacques Barrot, Vice-President of the European
Commission and Commissioner in charge of transport, to discuss joint transportation initiatives
between Canada and the European Union.
Canada values highly its relationship with the European Commission and the European Union as a
whole. Transportation plays a key role in supporting our dynamic trade relationship and close cultural ties.
We, therefore, welcomed the statement made by Prime Minister Harper, German Chancellor and
current EU President, Angela Merkel, and European Commission President, José Manuel Barroso, with
respect to aviation initiatives on June 4 of this year.
Our discussions today allowed both the Vice-President and I to highlight the progress made
to date and to reaffirm our commitment to move forward on these important initiatives.
For instance, we are looking to launch formal negotiations on a comprehensive air services agreement
this fall that would cover the entire EU.
This initiative is consistent with our Government's Blue Sky international air transportation policy, which
aims to encourage the development of new and expanded air services to benefit travellers, shippers and
the air industry as a whole.
Canada is in the process of engaging its stakeholders with a view to preparing a negotiating mandate.
We also discussed a proposed Aviation Safety Agreement to formalize Canada's relationship with the
European Commission. The Treaty promotes cost-efficiency for the Canadian aerospace industry and
would avoid duplication of approvals, while maintaining the level of safety of products and services.
I look forward to close and positive collaboration with the European Commission to bring these
large-scale transportation projects to fruition and meet new global challenges.
Thank you.
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