Canada’s Declaration on Open Skies removes barriers to access Western provinces

The governments of Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta agreed today to work together on removing unnecessary barriers to international air carriers’ access to the three Western provinces.

Representatives of the three provinces signed a “Declaration on Open Skies” today at the 2009 British Columbia International Open Skies Summit in Vancouver. The document commits the provinces to advance research and communication activities that will result in more Open Skies agreements between the federal government and other nations.

Specifically, the three provinces will:

* Exchange information, research and analysis;
* Participate in and jointly support projects and programs of mutual interest;
* Engage industry and other jurisdictions to accelerate Open Skies agreements for our provinces; and
* Undertake advocacy and public education to advance the case for the economic benefits of Open Skies agreements.

Saskatchewan’s Minister Responsible for Trade Ken Cheveldayoff is attending the summit and signed the declaration on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan. British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell and Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach signed on behalf of their provinces.

“Today’s declaration is another example of how our three provinces can work together to create a more open, competitive and efficient market in which businesses can operate and create jobs and economic growth,” Cheveldayoff said. “We believe that more Open Skies agreements will better enable the West to compete across Canada and globally.”

The Declaration on Open Skies signing comes two weeks after the three provinces signed the Western Economic Partnership (WEP). The WEP will create the largest barrier-free trade and investment market in Canada; remove barriers to internal trade and investment; and increase co-operation in areas like international marketing activities, innovation and procurement.

Topics: access, air carriers, air travel, Alberta, British Columbia, Canada, Declaration on Open Skies, economic development, Economy, Governance, Saskatchewan, Western Provinces

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