MP Taylor Bachrach Tables Bill Which Would Ensure Air Passengers are Compensated for Canceled or Delayed Flights

Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach has tabled a new private member’s bill in an effort to improve air passenger protections.

Bill C-327 would amend the Canada Transportation Act to close loopholes, ensure quick compensation, and shift the burden of proof to airlines.

Currently, airlines can avoid paying compensation if a delay or cancellation is required for safety, even if the cause is within their control.

But Bachrach says airlines are abusing that loophole, forcing passengers to jump through hoops to get what they are owed.

As a result, Bachrach says the Canadian Transportation Agency is facing a backlog of over 42,000 complaints, which will take 18 months to clear.

Under the amendment, airlines would only be able to avoid paying compensation if a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances.

It would also require airlines to prove that the cause was extraordinary, and pay out a minimum compensation automatically upon delay or cancellation.

If passed, maximum compensation payouts would also be increased to $50,000 for individuals, and $250,000 for corporations, ten times current payouts.

You can find the proposed Bill at this link, and the current Canada Transportation Act at this one.