News
CBAA endorses appointment of Raitt
July 18, 2013, Ottawa - The Canadian Business Aviation Association congratulates Lisa Raitt on her appointment as the federal Minister of Transport. First elected to the House of Commons in 2008, Raitt previously served as Minister of Natural Resources and, most recently, as Minister of Labour.
July 18, 2013 By Carey Fredericks
Prior to joining the government, Raitt was president/CEO of the Toronto Port Authority (TPA), which operates the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, the Port of Toronto and the Outer Harbour Marina. During her tenure, Porter Airlines launched service from the island airport and the TPA invested $15 million in airport upgrades.
Her appointment to this senior portfolio signals a change within government, with Transport now returned to its status a stand-alone department. Previously, Transport and Infrastructure had been combined in one ministry.
“Ms. Raitt’s appointment is very significant for business aviation” said CBAA president/CEO Rudy Toering. “She has great depth and background on aviation, and most particularly, with general and business aviation, based on her experience at TPA. Also, now that Transport has been decoupled from Infrastructure, we have a senior and respected cabinet minister at the table whose only focus is the Canadian transportation system.”
The CBAA is working with Transport Canada on a number of significant files, including the new business aviation regulations, new fatigue management regulations, Canada’ position on the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme, and others.
“We hope to have a meeting with Ms Raitt at the earliest opportunity,” Toering said. “Our key message will be the importance of business aviation to Canadian companies, communities and to the economy. Our goal is to work with Ms Raitt, her staff and department to ensure that Canadian business aviation maintains its outstanding safety record while encouraging the use of business aviation as a tool of economic growth and community quality of life.”
Business aviation is a major contributor to the national and regional economies. It gives Canadian business travellers more air service options, and provides additional lift for underserved city pairs and remote or small communities. Business aviation provides employment opportunities in a wide range of fields, across the country.
