Evolution of industry and policy

The Canadian transportation industry and policy environment have evolved significantly. For instance:

• An historic and comprehensive air transport agreement was signed with the European Union and its 27 member states, including several countries with which Canada did not previously have bilateral air agreements;
• A number of air charter operators and airlines ceased operations, citing the difficult economic context. Similarly, passenger traffic was down substantially in 2008 and 2009, before beginning to return to pre-recession levels in 2010;
• Growing sensitivity to the needs of travellers with disabilities has resulted in some airlines, ferry operators and passenger transportation terminals making significant progress in offering safer, more convenient travel by enhancing pre-travel communications or onboard and terminal accessibility; and
• A number of recommendations were proposed to improve the efficiency of the rail freight system to support Canada's economic activity. The Agency is well positioned to support these industry recommendations by broadening the spectrum of dispute resolution methods it offers to shippers, railways and other parties, such as alternative and commercial dispute resolution mechanisms.