December 14, 2018 Ottawa Transport Canada

Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, issued the following statement about the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's recommendations made during its investigation into the fatal West Wind Aviation accident that occurred on December 13, 2017 at Fond-du-Lac, Saskatchewan:

"My heartfelt thoughts continue to go out to those affected by this tragic accident.

"I would like to thank the Transportation Safety Board for its ongoing work on this investigation. At my direction, Transport Canada is conducting a thorough review of the two recommendations made today and will provide a formal response to the Board within the required 90-day period. Given the seriousness of the issue, I took immediate action and I have instructed the department to look at the de-icing situation on an urgent basis.

"Transport Canada takes recommendations from the Transportation Safety Board very seriously as the department shares the Board's goal of enhancing aviation safety.

"Transport Canada suspended West Wind Aviation's Air Operator Certificate on December 22, 2017. After several reviews of the company's operations demonstrated West Wind Aviation could operate in compliance with aviation safety regulations, the department reinstated the company's Air Operator Certificate in May 2018. Transport Canada continues to closely monitor West Wind Aviation.

"The safety and security of Canadians is a top priority. Transport Canada will continue to work with the Transportation Safety Board to maintain and improve upon Canada's enviable aviation safety record."