No. H 199/08
For release - September 2, 2008
OTTAWA - September 2, 2008 marks the ten-year anniversary of the tragic accident involving Swissair flight 111 at Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia. The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today released the following statement:
"It's a day to remember the victims of one of the most tragic air accidents in Canadian history. My thoughts go out to all the families and communities affected by this tragedy. They will not be forgotten.
"I would also like to commend the Transportation Safety Board for its final investigation report into the accident, released on March 27, 2003. The Board's thorough work resulted in considerable improvements to aviation safety around the world. In response to this report, Transport Canada notably improved fire safety on planes by mandating the removal of flammable insulation on all Canadian aircraft. Since the accident, Transport Canada has improved safety in the areas we regulate – and Canadians can feel confident that the current aviation system is safe.
"Transport Canada took an important step forward with the introduction of safety management system regulations. The International Civil Aviation Organization and the Auditor General of Canada have both applauded our country as a leader in safety management systems.
"These additional regulations require aviation organizations to identify safety issues before they become bigger problems. It's focusing on what we do to prevent accidents from occurring. I am confident that safety management systems will help save lives by preventing accidents."
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Contacts:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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