ATAC would like to thank the 2016 sponsors, exhibitors and delegates for helping make our National Aviation Conference and Tradeshow a huge success. See you next year in Montreal, November 6-8, 2017.

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced today his plan to deliver on his commitment to create a safe, secure, green, innovative and integrated transportation system that supports trade and economic growth, a cleaner environment and the well-being of Canadians and their families.

The Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, was at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montréal today to present his strategy, Transportation 2030, to stakeholders from across the country. The plan is based on five themes around which the Minister consulted with Canadians, stakeholders, provinces and territories, academics and Indigenous groups over the past six months. These themes are the Traveler; Safer Transportation; Green and Innovative Transportation; Waterways, Coasts and the North; and Trade Corridors to Global Markets.

In the area of air transport, the Minister announced that the Government will “support greater choice, better service, lower costs, and new rights for travelers by:

Pursuing legislation to provide greater transparency, clarity and fairness for Canada’s air traveler, including clear standards for treating and compensating passengers under specific circumstances.

Pursuing legislation to change international ownership restrictions from 25 to 49 per cent of voting interests for Canadian air carriers and conditionally approving requested exemptions for two companies, Canada Jetlines and Enerjet, from the current international ownership restrictions.

Working with Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to ensure that travellers at Canadian airports go through security faster, while maintaining the same high security standards.

Continuing working with provincial governments on a Pan-Canadian Framework that includes a strategy for transportation in Canada in order to reduce carbon pollution by 30% from 2005 levels by 2030.

Working to ensure that drones (unmanned air vehicles) are subject to simple, clear and enforceable regulations.

Supporting the development of regulatory framework for emerging technologies, such as connected and automated vehicles, in order to support a broader strategy on innovation.

Improve the performance and reliability of our transportation system to get products to markets to grow Canada’s economy by:

Investing $10.1 billion for transportation infrastructure (for all modes) to help eliminate bottlenecks and building more robust trade corridors.”

The Minister indicated that several other specific initiatives will be announced over the next few months to implement these key objectives.

ATAC will continue to monitor the implementation of these initiatives. We will consult with our members at the upcoming National Aviation Conference, and then respond officially to the Minister on each specific element as specifics are made available.

Link to complete article.

Link to Minister Garneau's speaking notes.