Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization, commonly known as the ICAO.
Quebecers are particularly proud that this important UN organization chose Montreal and the Province of Quebec for their administrative headquarters in 1944.
In 1944, air transport was marginal with only 9 million passengers. Flying has now become a vital means of transportation for the global economy. Every year, over 1.2 billion passengers fly in total safety. Air transport remains the safest means of transportation, an achievement we owe in large part to the ICAO. I wish to let this organization know how grateful I am for this.
Nobody can predict what flying will be like in 50 years. The number of passengers will certainly continue to increase, and technological progress will bring dramatic changes to this mode of transport. I am convinced that the ICAO will be up to the challenges of tomorrow, just as it was able to meet those of the past.
The ICAO is a perfect example of what sovereign nations around the globe can do when they co-operate. Through the ICAO, 183 member states managed to put in place a safe air transport system for their people. It is a major achievement.
Given the importance of flying as today's and tomorrow's mode of transport, it is more critical than ever to ensure its safety. Collaboration and co-operation among the member states will remain paramount.
In closing, I want to thank and congratulate all those who contributed to the creation and development of the ICAO in the first 50 years of its existence. I would like to extend to this organization my best wishes for continued success in the next 50 years.