No. H038/12
For release - May 2, 2012
LEIPZIG, GERMANY — Canada and Japan are working to reach a technical agreement on aviation maintenance. The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today met with Osamu Yoshida, Japan's Senior Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to discuss the issue at the International Transport Forum's 2012 summit in Leipzig.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda initiated work towards the proposed agreement. Under this agreement, each country's aviation authority would recognize aviation maintenance performed under the rules of the other country as if the work had been performed under its own rules.
"Japan is an important and long-standing air transport partner for Canada," said Minister Lebel. "This technical agreement will keep our aviation systems safe while avoiding unnecessary and costly delays for air operators and travellers."
The air maintenance agreement will build on the sound collaborative relationship that already exists between Canada and Japan's aviation authorities. For example, in September 2011, successful negotiations led to an expansion of the bilateral air transport agreement, providing more possibilities for air services between the two countries. The expanded arrangement includes greater access for Canadian airlines to Tokyo's Narita Airport and added flexibility for airline routings. The agreement also includes additional rights for services between Canada and Japan through third countries.
The International Transport Forum's annual summit brings together 53 countries and over 800 participants, including transportation ministers, experts, researchers, business leaders and members of the international media. It aims to find solutions to global transport-related issues and foster a deeper understanding of the integral role transportation plays in the world economy. The broad range of participants makes the forum unique among multilateral organizations.
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Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Click here for details of Minister Lebel's media availability at the conclusion of the conference
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/advisories-leipzig-6692.htm
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