Canada Will Sign Its Most Comprehensive Air Agreement Ever

(EarthTimes)

Canada’s Transport Minister, John Baird, today [Thursday] announced that Canada’s air transport agreement with all 27 European Union (EU) Member States will be signed and finalized tomorrow in Canada. This agreement is the largest and most comprehensive that Canada has ever negotiated, and concludes the process first launched by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

“Our government has moved at an unprecedented pace since 2006 to negotiate or expand air travel agreements with other countries, and we are proud to now be signing our largest ever with the European Union,” said Baird. “For the first time, Canadian air carriers will be able to access and expand into all EU member states, and EU carriers will be able to expand into Canada. The result will be better air travel choices for Canadians and new opportunities for Canadian businesses by 2010.”

“The EU is Canada’s second largest bilateral aviation, trade and investment market. In 2008, Canadian exports to the EU totalled $52.2 billion, an increase of 3.9% from 2007. This comprehensive air transport agreement will help boost Canada’s economy by creating new jobs, expanding our commercial links and building connections for our citizens,” said Stockwell Day, Minister of Trade. Read more here.