Montreal, October 23, 2020 - Option consommateurs calls on the federal government to swiftly adopt the bill, reiterating travellers' right to reimbursement for cancelled travel, which has just been tabled in the House of Commons.
This declaratory bill, which was drawn up in collaboration with Option consommateurs and Droits des voyageurs (Air passenger rights), is designed to encourage the government to apply the existing law that allows travellers to obtain refunds for flights cancelled for reasons beyond the carrier's control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We've been saying it for months, consumers are entitled to a refund for travel cancelled due to the pandemic. This bill is another attempt to ensure that consumers are reimbursed. We invite all MPs in the House of Commons to support it," says Christian Corbeil, General Manager, at Option consommateurs.
Option consommateurs still receives many calls every week from exasperated consumers unable to get their money back at a time when household finances are under strain. A petition tabled in the House of Commons calling for government intervention to force airlines to reimburse travellers has gathered over 32,000 signatures.
Option consommateurs , along with other consumer associations and members of civil society, has also repeatedly called on the government to intervene in this matter. A motion was even passed unanimously in the National Assembly calling on the federal government to intervene.
"The Minister of Transport has mentioned that he is in contact with the airlines. We are also open to being consulted on the issue to help find a solution," insists Elise Thériault, lawyer and budget advisor, at Option consommateurs.
About Option consommateurs
Option consommateurs is a not-for-profit association whose mission is to defend the rights and interests of consumers. It is closely involved in issues related to personal finance, business practices, financial services, protection of personal information, energy, health and agri-food.
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For more information or an interview :
Marie-Ève Dumont, Communications Consultant
514-777-6133
