Transat A.T. Inc., one of the largest integrated tourism companies in the world and Canada's holiday travel leader, welcomes the federal government’s intent to reform the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, as stated in its 2013 budget. Available programs need to serve the interests of both Canadian workers and employers, and they should not be used to create an unlevel playing field. A better balance is needed to ensure that Canada remains fully engaged in the global economy, while putting the priority on keeping Canadians connected with available jobs.

“I congratulate Minister Flaherty and the government for recognizing the need for reforming the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and ensuring a balance exists between facilitating access to foreign workers where needed and ensuring a healthy competitive landscape in Canada,” said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat A.T. Inc.

Transat A.T. Inc. is an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 destination countries and that distributes products in over 50 countries. A holiday travel specialist, Transat operates mainly in Canada and Europe, as well as in the Caribbean, Mexico and the Mediterranean Basin. Montreal-based Transat is also active in air transportation, accommodation, destination services and distribution. Transat’s firm commitment to sustainable tourism development is reflected in its multiple corporate responsibility initiatives. (TSX: TRZ.B, TRZ.A).