OTTAWA - July 11, 2007 – The Canadian Transportation Agency has suspended an application filed by Air Canada to amend its transborder and international tariffs to discontinue the carriage of animals as checked baggage. This suspension is intended to provide greater certainty for the air travelling public pending a final determination on the matter.

It is important to note that this suspension applies only to flights between Canada and the U.S. (transborder) and international flights to and from Canada as the Canadian Transportation Agency does not have the jurisdiction to proceed with similar action on domestic routes, that is, to suspend the application prior to determining the matter.

On June 22, 2007, the Canadian Transportation Agency received a formal complaint about Air Canada's application to discontinue the carriage of animals as checked baggage as of July 15, 2007. As a result, the Agency has asked Air Canada and the complainant to make submissions on the matter. The Agency will determine if the change in the carrier's policy is just, reasonable and not unduly discriminatory.

The Canadian Transportation Agency is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates various modes of transportation under Government of Canada jurisdiction, including air, marine and rail. Its decision-making process is governed by the rules of fairness and natural justice to ensure that all parties in a complaint receive equitable treatment.

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For further information, please contact:

Jadrino Huot
Senior Communications Adviser
819-953-9957

The Canadian Transportation Agency is online at www.cta-otc.gc.ca

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