Canada To Introduce ‘Fair And Clear’ Airlines Passenger Protections
by Michele McDonald /
Canada’s Liberal government will introduce an “Air Travellers Passenger Rights Regime” in the coming months to ensure that Canadians’ rights are protected by “rules that are both fair and clear,” Transport Minister Marc Garneau said.
Speaking at a meeting of Montreal’s Chamber of Commerce, Garneau said the rules will establish clear minimum requirements “so that Canadians will know what their rights are and when they are eligible for compensation,” an approach that some other countries, particularly the European Union, are taking.
Among the measures that the ministry will look at are compensation standards for passengers denied boarding due to factors within the carrier’s control. It also will weigh compensation for lost or damaged baggage.
“This will create a more predictable and reasonable approach that will ensure that Canadians understand better what their rights are as they travel by air,” Garneau said. “This will be done in a balanced way that also ensures air carriers do not suffer undue burden and loss of competitiveness.”
Garneau also said the ministry will tackle the issue of long lines at screening checkpoints.
“Too many Canadians are waiting too long,” he said. “You have been on a tiring business trip. It’s late. All you want to do is get home to see your spouse and your kids. Our goal should be to help speed up the process and get you there safe and sound.”
Canada needs to keep up with “competitor countries” on this score, he said. In Germany, France and Belgium, for example, 90% to 95% of passengers wait 10 minutes or less.
Garneau said the ministry will look at innovations, new equipment and technology to improve screening. It also will examine whether the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority should be made more accountable to a service standard.
On another front, Garneau said the ministry “will set the conditions for lower fares and increased competition by changing the rules on ownership in Canada’s passenger airline industry.”
International companies will be able to own 49% of an airline in Canada, up from the current 25%. A single foreign investor, or combination of foreign investors, will be capped at a maximum of 25%.
Garneau said the relaxed rule would allow the creation of more low-cost airlines in Canada.
This will lead to more options for Canadians, and allow the creation of new, ultra-low cost airlines in Canada.
“Consistent with this, I am happy to announce today that two companies will immediately benefit from these new criteria,” he said.
“While I pursue the legislative amendments necessary to complete these changes, I will issue exemptions to two companies, Canada Jetlines and Enerjet, to allow them to immediately pursue increased investment, with appropriate conditions.”