No. H136/06For release
November 8, 2006
OTTAWA − The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, is very pleased to announce that the Honourable Lise Thibault, Lieutenant Governor of Québec, has agreed to serve as Honorary
President for the 11th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for
Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED). The conference will be held from June 18
to 21, 2007, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal Convention Centre, in the
exhibition area. Ms. Thibault will open the conference on June 18, 2007, at 7:00
p.m.
Under the theme "Benchmarking, Evaluation and Vision for the Future," the
conference will review advances in research, profile international breakthroughs
and explore perspectives for technological innovations in order to respond to
the mobility challenges of an aging population and of persons with disabilities.
"This international conference will give delegates from around the world the
opportunity to review global advancements in accessible transportation," said
Minister Cannon. "Canada's New Government supports the development of innovative
transportation services and infrastructure to increase mobility for all
Canadians and visitors."
The TRANSED conference is held every three years in different countries − the
last two were held in Japan and Poland − and is an exceptional opportunity for
the accessible transportation sector, because it attracts researchers,
decision-makers, and other specialists from around the world to share
innovations and best practices. TRANSED is also an opportunity to identify
challenges and work together to address them. To date, representatives from 38
countries have registered.
"The challenges associated with an aging population and people with disabilities
are key issues for me," said Lieutenant Governor Thibault. "I understand that
the need for mobility-related independence is a major concern among both the
elderly and people with disabilities. I am proud to participate in such a unique
event aimed at making our societies more accessible."
Ms. Thibault has been involved with many Québec social agencies such as the
Réseau d'information des aînés du Québec (RIAQ) and the Québec Society for
Disabled Children. Over her career, she has acted as the president and executive
director of the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec.
Transport Canada is pleased to welcome the Lieutenant Governor's participation
and is looking forward to working with her to promote and advance barrier-free
transportation.
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Contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Marcel Therrien
Communications and Partnerships
for TRANSED 2007
Transport Canada, Montréal
514-283-0021
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at
apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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