Air passengers' bill of rights stalled in Senate

Transportation legislation containing an air passenger bill of rights has stalled in the Senate, dashing the hopes of Transport Minister Marc Garneau to have the bill approved by Christmas.

However, regardless of whether the bill had been approved before the holidays, the rules would not come into effect until sometime next year as the Canadian Transportation Agency would be in charge of crafting the rules.

The Canadian Press reported that the bill’s approval faltered during a heated hearing marked by strong rebukes and a fiery exchange between the transport minister and a former Liberal party operative.

During the hearing, Garneau blamed the media for the perception that the legislation, once passed, would itself enact a passenger bill of rights, rather than simply clear the way for one, CP reported. He then took aim at Sen. Terry Mercer, an independent Liberal, for suggesting Garneau has said otherwise.

The bill of rights contains provisions for air travellers regarding delays and seat bouncing, in light of a series of high-profile passenger-bumping incidents on U.S. airlines earlier this year. The legislation would set rules and fines for airlines in situations where a passenger has been bumped from an overbooked flight, suffered lost or damaged luggage or endured an overly long wait on the tarmac, but only when the carrier is responsible.

In addition to the air passenger bill of rights, the legislation also contained changes to rail safety and new rules affecting grain shipments.