Good start: The Canadian Transportation Agency is holding public hearings on additional air travel costs paid by persons with disabilities.
TORONTO, Nov. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Transportation Agency willPosted by rollingrains at November 11, 2006 04:23 AM
hold its second phase of a public hearing in Toronto beginning November 14,
2006 to continue its investigation into three complaints with respect to air
travel costs. These complaints concern the fares and charges of domestic air
travel for persons with disabilities who require additional seating to
accommodate their disabilities, whether for themselves or for their
attendants. Members of the general public and media are welcome to attend as
observers.<<
The second stage of the hearing is to be held:Date: Beginning on Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Time: 9:00 a.m. (Eastern time)
Place: InterContinental Hotel
Barclay Room
220 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario
BACKGROUND INFORMATIONThree complaints were filed by the late Eric Norman, Joanne Neubauer and
the Council of Canadians with Disabilities against Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz
and WestJet with respect to air fares, and against the Gander International
Airport Authority and the Air Transport Association of Canada with respect to
airport improvement fees.
The issues surrounding the fares and charges levied on persons with
disabilities in air travel are long-standing and complex. In this case, the
Agency determined that a public hearing would be the most effective way to
gather the evidence it needed to thoroughly and accurately assess if these
fares and charges represent undue obstacles to the travel of persons with
disabilities.
The hearing was divided into two stages to hear and consider the evidence
and to allow the parties themselves adequate time to prepare their positions
as well as to challenge the other parties' positions.
The first phase of the oral hearing was held in Toronto from May 30 to
June 3, 2005 where facts, information and preliminary evidence was gathered
from the applicants and air carrier respondents. Phase I concluded with a
one-day oral hearing on October 14, 2005 to gather further evidence from
parties. Since then, the parties have filed additional materials and expert
reports in preparation for Phase II.
Following the second phase of the hearing, which is expected to end no
later than December 1, 2006, the Agency will determine if these fares and
charges represent undue obstacles and if so, should the Agency order
corrective measures. A decision is expected to be issued in 2007. When making
decisions, the Agency must balance the interest of consumers and those of the
carriers. The weighing of those interests is carried out in a fair and
transparent manner.The Canadian Transportation Agency is an independent Government of Canada
quasi-judicial tribunal. Its mandate includes the responsibility to eliminate
undue obstacles to the mobility of persons with disabilities within the
federal transportation network. Its mission is to administer transportation
legislation, regulations and Government of Canada policies to help achieve an
efficient and accessible transportation network.IMPORTANT NOTE TO ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
The Canadian Transportation Agency has, in law, all the powers, rights and
privileges of a Superior Court. Due to the quasi-judicial nature of the
hearing, panel members will not answer reporters' questions. Reporters may try
to interview participants or their representatives before or after the day's
session, or during breaks and lunch. A spokesperson for the Agency will be
available on site to answer general questions about the Agency and the hearing
process.
The Agency will permit cameras in the hearing room, to take still photos
or footage of the panel members and participants. Reporters may stay
throughout the duration of the hearing and may tape-record the proceedings.
>>
For further information: Lyne Giroux, Senior Communications Adviser,
(819) 953-8926; The Canadian Transportation Agency is online at www.cta.gc.ca;
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