No. H 036/07
For release March 16, 2007
OTTAWA -- The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,
today invited applications from seniors and persons with disabilities wishing to serve as committee
members on the modernized Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation. The committee has a mandate to
identify obstacles and emerging issues in the national transportation system that impact accessibility and
to advise the Minister on accessibility issues and initiatives.
"It is through direct discussions with seniors and people with disabilities that we better
understand the challenges faced on a regular basis, as well as the need to continue to make our federal
transportation network more accessible," said Minister Cannon. "This is the first time
committee membership has been opened to individuals rather than associations. Today's invitation will
encourage seniors and persons with disabilities to share their ideas, and we will continue the ongoing
dialogue with industry to make our federal transportation system better for all Canadians."
Once the application process is complete, Transport Canada will select up to nine consumer members to
serve on the committee. Membership will include a diverse group of individuals representing seniors,
people with visual, hearing, mobility and learning disabilities and people with service animals.
Individuals with specialized knowledge of disability issues may also apply. Each member will serve a
three-year term and will have the opportunity for extension, or a renewal of one term. Setting a specified
term of office will offer the opportunity for more individuals to participate.
The committee will also include industry representatives, including major carriers and industry
associations from all modes of transportation under federal jurisdiction.
The Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation's Terms of Reference, application process and
on-line application form are available on Transport Canada's website at
www.tc.gc.ca, and in alternate formats. Applications must be received by
April 13, 2007.
For more information, please call Transport Canada at 1-800-665-6478, or by TTY at 1-800-823-3823.
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Contacts:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities,
Ottawa
613-991-0700
Robin Browne
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.