No. H106/02For release - September 26, 2002
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today released the final report of the Independent Transition Observer on Airline Restructuring, Ms Debra Ward.
In her role as Independent Transition Observer, Ms Ward has been examining the impact of airline restructuring on Canadian consumers, on urban, rural and remote communities, on travel agents and airports, and on airlines and their employees. She was appointed to the position on August 1, 2000.
"The work of the Independent Transition Observer has been a great resource for Transport Canada and Canadian airline industry stakeholders over the past two years," said Mr. Collenette. "Ms Ward has identified policy options and has presented recommendations that are worthy of serious consideration by all interested parties."
Since the release of her third interim report in April 2002, Ms Ward has continued to meet with public groups, community representatives and industry stakeholders to discuss issues and options, and to obtain their views.
The final report includes long- and short-term recommendations directed to the Government of Canada to promote a healthy, competitive airline industry. The report also includes recommendations aimed at various stakeholder groups including airlines, airports, communities and travel agents. These recommendations will be considered as part of the department's Transportation Blueprint initiative.
The Transportation Blueprint initiative, which Mr. Collenette originally launched in spring 2001, will renew the transportation agenda of the Government of Canada by developing a strategy that will set out directions and actions to address the main transportation challenges of the next decade and beyond. The Transportation Blueprint initiative was unavoidably delayed as a result of the impacts of the events of September 11, 2001.
"I look forward to responding to the report in the context of the Transportation Blueprint which I intend to bring forward in the next few months," added Mr. Collenette. "I wish to thank Ms Ward for her dedication and diligent work over the last two years, and for the insight her report brings to the challenges facing the Canadian airline industry and its stakeholders."
The final report is available online at: www.tc.gc.ca/policy/report/ace/airlinerestructuring/4sept2002/airline_restructuring_table_of_contents.htm.
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Contact:Anthony PolciDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister, Ottawa613) 991-0700
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