麻豆影视

Skip to main content

Regulator's stance on refunds aligned with execs' requests days earlier, emails show

Air Transat aircrafts are seen on the tarmac at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson 
Air Transat aircrafts are seen on the tarmac at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Share

Travel industry executives asked Canada's airline regulator to establish that vouchers could amount to a refund in March 2020 amid thousands of flight cancellations at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, newly released emails reveal -- days before the agency did so.

March 22 correspondence disclosed under a Federal Court of Appeal order show that then-Transat CEO Jean-Marc Eustache asked the Canadian Transportation Agency to confirm that "no refunds to passengers are required," which he said would pre-empt credit card chargebacks and lawsuits.

Three days later, the agency posted a statement clarifying that airlines could generally issue flight credits or vouchers to customers whose flights it had cancelled due to the pandemic, rather than reimbursing them.

The letter followed an email and extended phone conversation between a Transat executive and a senior agency director on the same topic four days earlier. The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies also wrote to the regulator asking it to help them with "prevention of credit card chargebacks."

The agency's statement on March 25 that flight credit rather than refunds constitutes a "reasonable approach" toward passengers left out of pocket by cancelled flights sparked public backlash and thousands of complaints to the agency.

The transportation agency says it regularly holds discussions with stakeholders that fall under its regulatory mandate, such as industry and consumer protection associations, and that they do not interfere with its impartiality.

Transat spokesman Christophe Hennebelle says the intent of the correspondence was to fully inform the agency of a rapidly evolving situation and provide guidance on new transportation legislation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2021.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

A man who was critically injured in a police-involved shooting in Hamilton late Sunday afternoon has died in hospital, says the province鈥檚 police watchdog.

opinion

opinion How to transition from renting to owning a home in Canada

In his column for CTVNews.ca, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers a step-by-step guide on how to make the shift from renting to becoming a homeowner, and what you can start doing today to help the process go smoother.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale鈥擫angley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

Local Spotlight

For the second year in a row, the 鈥楪ift-a-Family鈥 campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts 鈥 not for themselves, but for those in need.

A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

Stay Connected