The federal government is increasing the maximum penalty for airlines that violate passenger protection rules to $1 million, as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening travellers’ rights.
The previous maximum penalty was $250,000, following an earlier increase from $25,000 as part of reforms introduced in the 2023 federal budget.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon told reporters in Ottawa on May 1 that the higher ceiling is intended as a deterrent, but would be used only as a last resort.
“When there is a clear breach, there should be a stiff penalty,” he said. “I’m pretty confident that airlines will want to live up to the expectations that we’ve set.”…