(Fredericton) New Brunswick’s education minister hits out at Air Canada, saying the airline is incompetent because it decided over the weekend to cancel a flight on Monday that would have taken him with him. four officials at a meeting in Regina.
Posted at 12:17 p.m.
Dominic Cardy posted a series of tweets on Saturday, saying the cancellation — announced earlier in the day — means New Brunswick will not be represented at this year’s meeting of the Council of Education Ministers.
Mr Cardy continued on Twitter calling for the deregulation of Canadian airlines.
His comments sparked an online debate, with some people asking the minister why his delegation had to attend in person rather than taking part in a call Zoomwhich would save taxpayers money.
In response, Mr Cardy indicated that he was not leading the advice, and he doubled down on suggesting that “incompetent and overprotected airlines” who take money for services they know they cannot not provide could commit fraud.
Air Canada could not immediately be reached for comment.
An online commenter suggested Mr Cardy try to book a flight on another airline. The minister replied that he had thought about it, before thanking the Internet user for his “pro advice”.
Air Canada announced last week that it would cut its July and August schedule by more than 15% — more than 9,500 flights — due to a struggling airline system in the face of growing demand.
Also last week, Calgary-based WestJet confirmed it was flying 32% fewer flights to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport in July than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent weeks, logistical issues in the airline industry have resulted in long lines, tight connections and canceled flights at many Canadian airports.