Ensuring the safety and security of passengers and crew on a flight is a top priority for Transport Canada. Civil aviation regulations and requirements must be respected, and anyone who does not comply is subject to serious penalties.
In response to allegations of unacceptable behaviour reported to Transport Canada involving a flight from Montréal to Cancun on December 30, 2021, the department quickly launched an investigation.
The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, announced today that Transport Canada has issued a series of penalties to passengers who were not fully vaccinated when they boarded their flight. To date, six passengers have received penalties, which could reach a maximum of $5,000 each.
The investigation is ongoing, and it is expected that more penalties will be issued in the coming days and weeks.
Since January 4, 2022, Transport Canada has been conducting an investigation to determine whether the Aeronautics Act, regulations or requirements pertaining to aviation safety and security were contravened during that flight. If non-compliance is identified, Transport Canada will ensure that all appropriate enforcement actions are taken. Specifically, the department has been reviewing compliance with the Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID‑19, No. 50, the Canadian Aviation Regulations and the Aeronautics Act.
