Public input sought on developing regulations on air-passenger rights
OTTAWA — The Canadian Transportation Agency is asking Canadians to help it develop regulations about the rights of air passengers, including how best to deal with tarmac delays, bumped seats and lost luggage.
Under legislation given final approval last week, the agency is charged with drafting rules and, in most cases, setting minimum standards of treatment in order to establish a bill of rights for air travellers.
Those interested in offering their thoughts can attend one of eight public sessions to be held across the country, fill in a questionnaire or provide a written submission.
The agency will also survey air travellers at selected airports.
The consultations will continue until Aug. 28.
Transport Minister Marc Garneau said Monday that the new rules will ensure passengers are treated with respect and that airlines live up to their commitments.
“These regulations will establish clear and consistent standards of treatment for all flights operating in Canada,” Garneau told a news conference.
“In certain circumstances, they will include compensation for air travellers when things do not go as planned, when a flight is delayed, cancelled or overbooked and it is considered to be within the airline’s control.”
For example, they will set time limits and treatment standards for tarmac delays.
Ian Jack, managing director of the Canadian Automobile Association, which has been following the issue closely, said people have to ensure that the regulations provide what is needed. He said the transportation agency seems to be on track.
“They’re are asking all the right questions, it seems to us,” he said. “We need to keep up the pressure to ensure Canadians get what they deserve.”
The schedule for the public sessions: June 14: Toronto June 18: Vancouver June 20: Calgary June 22: Yellowknife June 25: Winnipeg June 27: Montreal June 29: Halifax July 4: Ottawa