Statement by Minister of Transport on Air Transat flights TS157 and TS507

August 9, 2017    Ottawa    Transport Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today issued the following statement:

"I am very pleased with the swift action by the Canadian Transportation Agency to hold hearings regarding Air Transat flights TS157 and TS507 in order to shed light as to what occurred at the Ottawa International Airport on July 31, 2017. As a frequent traveller, I can imagine how difficult the situation must have been in those conditions after a long transatlantic flight.

Our Government is committed to improving the air traveller experience in Canada. When passengers buy an airline ticket, they expect and deserve that the airline will respect its agreement with them. When the terms of that agreement are not met, passengers should know their rights and be entitled to compensation where appropriate. There should be a certain minimum standard of treatment when things do not go as planned.

On May 16, 2017, we introduced in Parliament Bill C-49 (Transportation Modernization Act) to clarify the responsibilities of air carriers and the rights of travellers. The proposed legislation would create rules to strengthen air passenger rights, including directing the Canadian Transportation Agency to develop regulations as part of the new regime. 

The new regime would establish clear and fair standards for how passengers are to be treated in various situations, including cases of long delays on the tarmac, overbooking, delays, cancellations and lost or damaged baggage. Through the regulations, minimum compensation to be paid to passengers under certain circumstances would also be established.

Bill C-49 was referred to the Standing Committee on Transport Infrastructure and Communities on June 19, 2017. The Committee members passed a motion to study the Bill before Parliament resumes, starting on September 11, 2017.

Many factors can lead to a better travelling experience. Our Government's objective is to bring clear, transparent and enforceable rights for passengers in a more competitive and accountable market."

Contact:

Marc Roy
Director of Communications and Director of Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
Marc.Roy@tc.gc.ca
613-991-0700‎