Discussion · Government Orders
Ryan Turnbull Liberal
“I support this legislation because it helps air passengers. It gives the minister the power to quickly fix a backlog of about 96,000 complaints by using outside resolution firms. It also makes airlines pay compensation to waiting passengers and raises fines for airlines that break the rules.”
“Madam Speaker, let me start by expressing my respect for the member. Having served on committee with him for a number of years, I can say that we have always had good debates in good faith, and today is another chance to do that. I disagree strongly with the member’s statements in the House. The government is moving forward with changes to the air passenger rights regulations for the benefit of air travel passengers and is looking to resolve the backlog of complaints, which is in the order of 96,000 or 97,000 unresolved complaints. The minister would be held accountable for that. Essentially, the minister is seeking the authority to be accountable for resolving those complaints in short order by using alternative dispute resolution firms. The minister would consult on designating those firms, put in place regulations to regulate those firms and hold air carriers and airlines accountable for paying compensation to air passengers who have not been compensated and have been waiting a long time. That is exactly what the legislation tries to do. It would also increase monetary penalties.”
Madam Speaker, let me start by expressing my respect for the member. Having served on committee with him for a number of years, I can say that we have always had good debates in good faith, and today is another chance to do that. I disagree strongly with the member’s statements in the House. The government is moving forward with changes to the air passenger rights regulations for the benefit of air travel passengers and is looking to resolve the backlog of complaints, which is in the order of 96,000 or 97,000 unresolved complaints. The minister would be held accountable for that. Essentially, the minister is seeking the authority to be accountable for resolving those complaints in short order by using alternative dispute resolution firms. The minister would consult on designating those firms, put in place regulations to regulate those firms and hold air carriers and airlines accountable for paying compensation to air passengers who have not been compensated and have been waiting a long time. That is exactly what the legislation tries to do. It would also increase monetary penalties.