October 30, 2008

MANITOBA FILES NOTICE OF APPLICATION IN COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH– – –
Province Requests Declaration To Save Winnipeg's Flight Attendant Base


The Manitoba government has filed a notice of application in the Court of Queen’s Bench seeking a declaration that Air Canada’s decision to close the Winnipeg flight attendant base is in breach of the federal Air Canada Public Participation Act, which requires the corporation to maintain operational and overhaul centres in the city of Winnipeg, Competitiveness, Training, and Trade Minster Andrew Swan announced today.

“We are asking the court to clarify the legal authority under which Winnipeg’s flight attendant base is being closed,” said Swan. “When the federal government privatized Air Canada in 1988, Manitobans were assured jobs, including those of flight attendants, would be maintained in Winnipeg. We are relying on the wording of the legislation to keep that commitment.”

Swan pointed specifically to section 6(1)(d) of the Air Canada Public Participation Act, which requires “the Corporation to maintain operational and overhaul centres in the City of Winnipeg, the Montreal Urban Community and the City of Mississauga.” He also noted further assurances to this effect were provided by parliamentarians at the time this legislation was debated in the House of Commons.

“Air Canada’s decision to close the flight attendant base seems inconsistent with what was contemplated in the federal legislation and we want the court to provide clarification on this point,” said Swan.