Minister Garneau encourages international cooperation in advancing ambitious standards at 39th ICAO Assembly

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 27, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada is playing a leadership role as delegates from around the world work to secure the highest possible standards in global aviation to make air transportation more safe, secure and environmentally sustainable for middle class Canadians and all global citizens.

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today addressed over 1,500 delegates from Member States and representatives from international organizations at the 39^th Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly, which runs from September 27 to October 7, 2016.

At this triennial event, hosted at ICAO headquarters in Montréal, Minister Garneau stressed the importance of working closely with international partners to promote the safety, security, and environmentally sustainable growth of global aviation. The Minister also reaffirmed Canada's commitment to ICAO as proud host country since 1947.

This year is a critical one for ICAO's environmental agenda, as the international community strives to maintain the momentum that was catalyzed by the historic Paris agreement. Canada has been an important participant in the dialogue to develop a global framework for the management of greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation, including a CO2 standard and a global market-based measure. Canada will continue to work with Canadian aviation stakeholders and the international community to promote the successful completion of the international aviation sector's ground breaking response to climate change.

While in Montréal, Minister Garneau and United States Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx signed an agreement to guide Canada-U.S. transportation cooperation arrangements. Minister Garneau also met with his counterparts from several countries to discuss ways to enhance international cooperation in transport and advance Canadian interests.

Quote

"The Government of Canada recognizes that, through global cooperation and efforts to ensure the seamless transport of passengers and goods, new ways can be found to help ensure the air transportation system is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable. I was pleased to discuss these issues with my international colleagues at this historic event. As host country, Canada remains deeply committed to providing all the necessary support to ICAO and its diplomatic community."

The Honourable Marc Garneau,
Minister of Transport 

Quick Facts

• ICAO is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency that works with its 191 Member States to set and audit safety, security, emissions, navigation, and facilitation standards to shape and improve international air operations.
• Since ICAO's inception in 1947, its headquarters has been located in Montréal.
• The Memorandum of Cooperation signed today with the U.S. acknowledges the profound connection between the two countries and the important role of transportation in enabling and reinforcing these ties.

Related Links
International Civil Aviation Organization
Assembly-39th Session

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SOURCE Transport Canada

Delphine Denis, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700, [email protected]; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055