Interview report by Radio Canada(original in french: with the aid of Google translation)
Airline Aid: Ottawa wants to address travel reimbursements The federal government has increasingly raised the possibility of financial assistance to Canadian air carriers hard hit by the health crisis. But the negotiation will have to include a solution for travelers who have had their flight canceled, and who want a refund instead of the travel credit generally offered by the companies.
''We recognize the frustration of Canadians with these coupons. I hear it myself in my riding in New Brunswick,'' Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc said in an interview with Behind the Scenes of Power.
''If the airlines expect the federal government to sit down and discuss with them [on] a way to support them, that will be part of the conversation,'' continued the minister, while specifying that there is no formal negotiations at this stage.
The Trudeau government, however, announced in the throne speech its intention to work with partners to provide regional airline links.'' But no question of giving blank checks to companies, that's not what Canadians expect,'' says Dominic LeBlanc.
New cancellations of services
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Ongoing consultations
As a sign that the file is progressing rapidly in Ottawa, Transport Minister Marc Garneau wrote to MPs and senators on Wednesday to share their ideas and comments on possible aid to the airline sector. They have until October 21 to submit their views.
In addition to wanting to discuss possible refunds for canceled tickets, Ottawa also wants to provide services across the country. ''The government will work with this sector [...] to find the best way to support them,'' Minister Leblanc indicated. ''But part of this conversation will have to begin [...] [with] what are we going to do to ensure that there are regions of the country that are not cut off from a competition, in the interests of passengers''