Transportation 2030: Strategy for the Future
Could lower airfares and smoother airport transitions be on the way?
Transportation Minister Marc Garneau (pictured) unveiled Canada’s newest transportation strategy — Transportation 2030 — to an audience of more than 550 key transportation stakeholders at the Chamber of Commerce in Montreal yesterday (Nov. 3).
Garneau delivered a plan described as “a safe, secure, green, innovative and integrated transportation system that supports trade and economic growth, a cleaner environment and the well-being of Canadians and their families.”
The plan is based on the five themes around which the minister consulted with Canadians, stakeholders, provinces and territories, academics and Indigenous groups over the past six months. These include:
- The Traveller
Support greater choice, better service, lower costs, and new rights for travellers by pursuing legislation to provide greater transparency, clarity and fairness for Canada’s air traveller, including clear standards for treating and compensating passengers under specific circumstances; pursuing legislation to change international ownership restrictions from 25% to 49% of voting interests for Canadian air carriers and conditionally approving requested exemptions for two companies, Canada Jetlines and Enerjet, from the current international ownership restrictions; working with Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to ensure that travellers at Canadian airports go through security faster, while maintaining the same high security standards.
- Safer transportation
Build a safer, more secure transportation system that Canadians can trust.
- Green and Innovation Transportation
Reduce air pollution and embrace new technologies to improve Canadians’ lives.
- Waterways, Coasts and the North
Build world-leading marine corridors that are competitive, safe and environmentally sustainable, and enhance northern transportation infrastructure.
- Trade Corridors to Global Markets
Improve the performance and reliability of our transportation system to get products to markets to grow Canada’s economy.
“This plan addresses the needs for the future of transportation in Canada. It will move our transportation system forward and support the economic growth of our great country for the benefit of all Canadians, and particularly the middle-class and those looking to join it,” said Garneau.
