Transport Canada has issued its first fines to air passengers within our country after two travellers refused to follow updated COVID-19 health protocols on a flight.
According to Transport Canada, two fines of $1,000 have been issued for separate incidents that took place onboard different WestJet domestic flights.
“Canadians have the right to feel safe while flying during a global pandemic, which is why the Government of Canada has mandated a number of health precautions to keep travelers safe,” reads a statement from Transport Canada.
The first mask refusal occurred on June 14 on a flight from Calgary to Waterloo and the second was on July 7 onboard a flight from Vancouver to Calgary.
In both cases, the passengers refused “to follow the direction from the aircrew,” asking them to wear their face coverings repeatedly, said the government agency.
Following investigations into both incidents, Transport Canada issued the $1,000 fines under the ‘Interim Order to Prevent Certain Persons from Boarding Flights in Canada due to COVID-19.’
The interim order requires all air passengers arriving or departing from a Canadian airport to have a non-medical mask or face covering with them while boarding.
Airport authorities have the power to deny a passenger from travelling if they fail to produce the appropriate PPE.
“Travelers must wear their face coverings at all time while boarding, during the flight and from the moment the doors of the aircraft are opened until the person enters the air terminal building when they are two metres or less from another person,” said Transport Canada in a press release.
The government agency highlights that exemptions apply for eating, drinking and taking oral medicine.
Under the new rules, Transport Canada says that travellers “must also comply with any instructions” from airport or airline staff with respect to wearing masks.
Graham Cox
