Local Media Advisory ‒ The Canadian Transportation Agency's air passenger protection in-person consultations come to Toronto

Gatineau, Quebec – June 11, 2018 – Canadians can have their say on air passenger protection as the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) develops new regulations.

The CTA wants to hear from the public during an in-person consultation, held in Toronto on June 14, 2018 at:

The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
123 Queen St West (Map)
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

New provisions of the Canada Transportation Act, which were added by the recently-passed Transportation Modernization Act, mandate the CTA to develop regulations setting out airlines' obligations with respect to flight delays and cancellations, denied boarding (bumping), tarmac delays, damaged or lost baggage, seating of children with parents or guardians, the transportation of musical instruments, and communication with passengers. For most of these categories, the law states that the regulations should prescribe minimum standards of treatment. For several (flight delays or cancellations within the airline's control, denied boarding within the airline's control, and lost or damaged baggage), the law also provides for minimum levels of compensation.

The consultation process will continue until August 28, 2018. Once it concludes, all the input received will be considered and the new regulations will be drafted. The regulations will require approval from both the CTA and the Governor in Council to come into force.

Public attendance

Members of the public who wish to attend in person are encouraged to register on the consultation web site and provide a written synopsis of the topics they wish to discuss.

Anyone requiring accommodations for accessibility and communication support at the sessions, such as assistive listening devices and sign language interpretation, should indicate their requirements when registering, no later than 10 calendar days prior to the sessions.

Online session

Individuals wishing to participate but who cannot attend the in-person consultations in-person can participate via an audio live session on July 5, 2018 starting at 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Media attendance

Media representatives may observe the in-person consultations. Seating will be provided on a first come first served basis. Cameras will be allowed for the opening remarks only. Media questions will not be permitted during the consultation session.

Mr. Scott Streiner, Chair and CEO of the CTA, will also be available to the media:

• June 13 all day; and
• June 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Interested parties can contact media@otc-cta.gc.ca.

For more information

Participate in the online consultation and consult the CTA's consultation page for more information.

Contact

Media Relations
Canadian Transportation Agency
media@otc-cta.gc.ca
819-934-3448
Follow us: Twitter / YouTube