17 SEP 2009: Well, something concrete might result from the meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and “Barrack” as he rather familiarly referred to the President of the United States (perhaps in retaliation for Bush’s, “Steve”). That aside, Harper, a devoted hockey fan, claimed an “agreement in principle” on resolving the nasty dispute between the US Department of Transportation and Air Canada.
The DOT’s threatened action could ground charter flights carrying sports teams, and Air Canada has retaliated by filing a lawsuit against US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood essentially claiming business and political pressure as the reason for the ban.
But after his chat with ‘Barrack’, Harper said an agreement was imminent and should be finalized within “the next few days.”
The DOT issued the following statement:
"The Obama administration takes the laws prohibiting cabotage seriously and will continue to enforce any violations. The department continues to have discussions with Air Canada regarding its sports charters.
"We are close to resolving this matter and reaching an agreement in principle that will ensure compliance with the cabotage requirements. As the agreement is not final, we cannot provide additional details at this time."
