No. H 120/07
For release June 20, 2007
CANADA'S TRANSPORT MINISTER MEETS EUROPEAN COMMISSION
COUNTERPART TO ADVANCE CANADA-EUROPEAN UNION TRANSPORT ISSUES
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OTTAWA –– The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, and Mr. Jacques Barrot, Vice-President of
the European Commission responsible for transport, met in Ottawa this
morning to discuss joint transportation initiatives between Canada and the
European Union.
Understanding the importance of aviation relations for linking the
economies and citizens of Canada and the European Union, Minister Cannon and
Vice-President Barrot welcomed their leaders' Declaration at the
Canada-European Union Summit on June 4, 2007.
"I am pleased that initial discussions have identified common ground in
viewpoints and approaches," said Minister Cannon. "I look forward to
continuing and expanding upon this positive dialogue."
At today's meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to launch
formal negotiations on a comprehensive air services agreement this fall.
Minister Cannon and Vice-President Barrot updated each other on the work
currently underway by officials in preparation for negotiations.
"Following our very successful EU-Canada Summit in Berlin on June 4th,
I welcome the progress towards the beginning of negotiations on an Open
Skies agreement," added Vice-President Barrot. "This will be a very
important step in building a closer economic partnership between the EU and
Canada."
Canada currently has bilateral agreements with 19 of the 27 European Union
Member States. Under a Canada – European Union agreement, Canada's air
transport relations with Member States would be governed by a single regime.
The successful conclusion of a comprehensive air services agreement would
provide a framework to further strengthen the bilateral aviation
relationship.
These discussions are in line with the recently announced Blue Sky policy,
which was developed to help Canada's air industry continue to contribute to
our country's growth and prosperity. The new policy reflects the evolving
nature of the global aviation market.
A proposed Aviation Safety Agreement (Treaty) to formalize Canada's
relationship with the European Commission was also discussed. The Treaty,
once in place, would promote cost-efficiency for the Canadian aerospace
industry and avoid duplication of approval processes.
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Contacts: |
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Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities,
Ottawa
613-991-0700
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Kirsten Goodnough
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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