GATINEAU, QUEBEC - June 29, 2005 -- The Government of Canada has reached an agreement with WestJet that will result in savings on the government's total air travel bill.
The Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services (PWGSC), announced that the agreement will provide airfare discounts for Government of Canada employees traveling on business. "This agreement is another example of how we can save taxpayers' money by negotiating volume discounts," said Minister Brison.
While terms of the discounts cannot be disclosed due to reasons of commercial confidentiality, they will be applied directly to all WestJet bookings made through Travel AcXess Voyage, the Government's new integrated travel service for employees, whether through the full service travel agency or the on-line booking tool. The agreement will be in effect until May 31, 2006, with options to extend for an additional two years.
Government of Canada travellers have steadily increased their use of WestJet to the point where in 2003-2004 the airline accounted for over 13% of Government of Canada air travel, more than doubling its volume over four years. "I am very pleased that this leading western Canadian company is working with the Government in a way that will deliver savings to taxpayers," said Minister Brison.
Sean Durfy, WestJet's Executive Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, said, "We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the federal government. We look forward to offering public servants safe, affordable air travel from coast to coast in Canada and into the United States."
In addition to the agreement with WestJet, PWGSC has volume discount arrangements with other members of the travel industry and it will continue to negotiate other such deals in the future to help lower the government's travel bill and save taxpayers money.
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For further information please contact:
Office of Minister Brison
Renée David
Press Secretary
(819) 997-5421
Public Works and Government Services Canada
Mario Baril
Manager, Media Relations
(819) 956-2315
