Minister Garneau to address inaugural Safer Skies Forum and call for improved aviation safety over conflict zones 

December 7, 2020        Ottawa        Transport Canada

People travelling from one part of the world to another should have confidence that they will not be exposed to safety and security risks that conflicts pose to civilian flight operations.

Since Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was shot down near Tehran, Iran, on January 8, 2020, Canada and its international partners have been working to improve the safety and security of air travel worldwide by addressing gaps in the way the civil aviation sector deals with conflict zones.

Today marks the annual International Civil Aviation Day, a day to celebrate collaboration with global aviation partners to advance civil aviation in Canada and around the world. This is also a day to remember the lives lost in aviation disasters, and reflect on best strategies to advance the safety and security of commercial airlines.

Tomorrow, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, will deliver opening remarks at the inaugural Safer Skies Forum, hosted virtually by Transport Canada. The Safer Skies Forum is the first international forum focused on civilian aviation safety over conflict zones. This event will bring together experts from 71 countries, international organizations, and the civil aviation industry to:

• share best practices to address risk in conflict zones;
• enable information sharing and a broader dialogue between parties on current aviation issues; and
• advocate for the implementation of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), which assist international partners in managing aviation safety risks.

The aviation industry plays a critical role in connecting people and places across the world. However, the vital services it provides are not immune to the safety and security risks that armed conflicts pose to civilian flight operations. The Safer Skies Forum is the culmination of the Government of Canada’s efforts to pursue the Safer Skies Initiative announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in February 2020.