Air Canada comments on appointment of federal mediator in pension talks
MONTREAL, June 4 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada provided the following comment in response to today's appointment by the federal government of the Honourable James Farley, Q.C., as mediator in talks between Air Canada, its unions and its retiree associations to find a pension funding solution: "As I have stated on numerous occasions over the past two months, our number one priority and focus of our efforts is to work towards an alternative pension funding solution," said Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer. "With the appointment today of the Honourable James Farley, we are hopeful of a rapid resolution of the pension funding issue as well as achieving labour stability, both of which are pre-conditions required to help the company obtain the financing needed to address the company's liquidity constraints. Justice Farley has extensive experience in corporate restructurings and labour negotiations, and we expect that he will make a useful contribution to the resolution of our pension issues in a timely fashion." Air Canada's pension plan is subject to federal regulation under the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Air Canada's public communications may include written or oral forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts or forward-looking predictions or statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including without limitation, industry, market, credit and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs and secure financing, pension issues, energy prices, currency exchange and interest rates, employee and labour relations, competition, war, terrorist acts, epidemic diseases, insurance issues and costs, changes in demand due to the seasonal nature of the business, supply issues, changes in laws, regulatory developments or proceedings, pending and future litigation and actions by third parties as well as the factors identified throughout Air Canada's public disclosure file available at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air Canada's expectations as of the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.
For further information:
For further information: Isabelle Arthur (Montréal), (514) 422-5788; Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto), (416) 263-5576; Angela Mah (Vancouver), (604) 270-5741; Internet: aircanada.com