Airlines and some advocates expressed disappointment in passenger rights reforms laid out by Transport Minister Omar Alghabra on Monday, with carriers saying the overhaul goes too far and consumer rights groups demanding further action.
The mixed response came after the Liberals tabled legislation Thursday targetting traveller compensation in a move to tighten loopholes and toughen up on penalties.
"I really think airlines left government no choice, after what we saw, to further clarify the rules and make sure that passenger rights are protected," he said. Tabled in the House of Commons as part of a budget implementation bill Thursday, the amendments ratchet up the maximum penalty for airline violations to $250,000 — a tenfold increase — and put the regulatory cost of complaints on carriers. In theory, the measure gives airlines an incentive to brush up their service and thus reduce the number of grievances against them.
Some advocates cast doubt on whether the so-called safety loophole for compensation was really shut tight.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Passenger rights overhaul draws criticism from both sides – airlines and advocatesTransport Minister Omar Alghabra announces measures to tighten loopholes to traveller compensation, toughen penalties
Read more »
Canadian transport minister blasted for video of male politicians walking in pink high heelsMinister of Transport Omar Alghabra drew the ire of the internet after sharing a video of male Canadian politicians walking in high heels to raise awareness of violence against women
Read more »
Canadian transport minister blasted for video of male politicians walking in pink high heelsCanadian transport minister blasted for video of male politicians walking in pink high heels cdnpoli
Read more »
Canadian transport minister blasted for video of male politicians walking in pink high heelsCampaign draws the ire of the internet, including a quip from Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling
Read more »
Airlines ‘left government no choice’ but to beef up passenger rights: Minister | National NewswatchNational Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views. Make it a daily habit.
Read more »
Airlines 'left government no choice' but to beef up passenger rights: Minister - BNN BloombergTransport Minister Omar Alghabra says airlines' use of loopholes around traveller compensation 'left government with no choice' but to strengthen passenger rights rules.
Read more »