The so-called Air Passenger Bill of "Rights" introduced by the government makes things worse for travellers. For example:
The federal election is coming up soon. Tell candidates in your riding that Canadians deserve better. Ask them what they will do to enact real air passenger rights that protect travellers, and not airlines.
Dear Madam or Sir,
I am a resident in your riding of [DISTRICT]. Before I decide how to vote in the upcoming federal election, I would like to hear how you would propose to fix the new air travel rules, also dubbed the Air Passenger Bill of "Rights."
The legislative process that enabled the development of these new rules lacked genuine consultation with the public. The government also ignored the Senate’s advice to include provisions that could fulfill the stated goal of improving passenger protection.
This flawed process resulted in fundamentally flawed regulations being introduced by the Transport Minister and the federal regulator, the Canadian Transportation Agency. Some of the new rules came into force on July 15, 2019, but in a matter of days it became clear that they fail to meaningfully protect the travelling public, offer a variety of ways for airlines to avoid their obligations, and are inferior to what has been in place in the European Union for over 15 years. Additional rules with further loopholes for airlines to dodge their obligations will come into force on December 15, 2019.
I would be interested to know your position on the following issues of particular concern.
Tarmac Delay. The new rules allow airlines to keep passengers confined to an aircraft on the tarmac for up to 3 hours and 45 minutes. This is more than double the 90-minute standard that had been the industry standard in Canada since 2008, and which was endorsed by the Senate.
Do you support restoring the 90-minute limit for tarmac delays?
Denied Boarding Compensation. The new rules significantly narrowed the definition of "denial of boarding," and excluded situations that were previously recognized as entitling the passenger to compensation.
Do you support restoring a broad definition of "denial of boarding" that is similar to the European Union’s gold standard?
I urge you to publicly voice your commitment to fix the relevant statutes and regulations should you be elected. More and more Canadians, not only in your riding of [DISTRICT], but from coast to coast, rely on air travel to visit family, conduct business, and go on vacation.
Canadians expect and deserve better.
Sincerely yours,
[NAME]
[ADDRESS]
Riding: [DISTRICT]
