Aviation Sector Applauds Government's Decision

The Canadian government on Tuesday announced that it was lifting its visa requirements for citizens of Mexico effective December 1, 2016. The decision to use the upcoming electronic travel authorization (eTA) for Mexican travelers will further expand economic ties between Canada and Mexico and supports the Government of Canada's priority to expand economic engagement in the Americas.

In a news release, the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) and the Canadian Airports Council (CAC) praised the move.

"This is great news. Lifting visa requirements for Mexicans in favour of the electronic travel authorization will mean more opportunity to expand business, trade and travel with an important partner," said Marc-André O'Rourke, Executive Director of the NACC. "Canada's major airlines recognize the importance of balancing the integrity of our immigration laws on one hand and the benefits associated with making it easier to visit and do business in Canada on the other hand. It is encouraging to see that Canada is taking steps to streamline its visa processes and find that balance", added O'Rourke.

"Canada and Mexico have a longstanding relationship, and this new development today will strengthen that partnership and further boost tourism and business opportunities in Canada," said CAC President Daniel-Robert Gooch. "Enabling low risk travelers from Mexico to use the electronic travel authorization is a good step in what we hope will be a broader, more modern approach to facilitating low-risk travelers from additional countries around the world."

Given the opportunities surrounding the upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), the NACC and the CAC encourage Canada to continue to take steps to continue to ease visa requirements where appropriate to grow investment, trade, and tourism.

(Source: National Airlines Council of Canada news release)

FMI: www.airlinecouncil.ca