Canadians get access to the new world-leading passenger rights they deserve

Brampton, ON – Canadians deserve a fair, efficient and easy to use transportation system that works for them. For far too long, passengers have dealt with denied boarding, long delays, and lost baggage. After years of neglect from the Conservatives, our Liberal government has taken decisive action to make traveling easier for Canadians. Now, Canadians finally have access to the world-leading passenger rights they deserve.

On July 15th, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, marked the coming into force of the first stage of provisions of the new Air Passenger Protection Regulations.

These include:

· Up to $2400 in cases of denied boarding;

· Up to $2100 for lost or damaged baggage;

· Clear communication requirements on reasons for delays;

· Setting clear conditions regarding the transportation of musical instruments as checked or carry-on baggage;

· Mandated time limits for tarmac delays.

These new regulations will require air carriers to proactively offer standards of treatment. In some cases, carriers will be required to issue compensation to passengers within strict timelines. Passengers will be able to deal directly with the airline to file a complaint. Air carriers will be required to follow these regulations and could face fines for non-compliance.

More provisions will come into effect on December 15, 2019, including:

· All other elements of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, including compensation for delays and cancellations and seating children next to their parents

· Administrative Monetary Penalties associated with all other items with flexibility during the implementation period

After months of public and stakeholder consultations, our government developed regulations for Canadian travellers that are clear, consistent, transparent and fair. Canadians are now covered by robust new regulations that apply to all air carriers flying to, from, and within Canada.

Quotes

“Today is a historic day for Canadian travelers. Our government believes that hardworking Canadians deserve to be treated fairly when they travel. That is why we created a world-leading approach to air passenger rights; one that is predictable and fair for passengers, while ensuring our air carriers remain strong and competitive. Today, after a long and thorough consultation process, I am proud to say these new regulations achieve that balance and give air travelers the rights and treatment they pay for and deserve.”

~ The Honourable Marc Garneau Minister of Transport

“I am extremely proud of these steps taken by our government to protect the rights of Canadians when it comes to travelling. Passengers shouldn’t have to constantly deal with denied boarding, long delays, and lost baggage, and now we are ensuring that they won’t have to.”

~ Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South