(Ottawa) The federal government says it will host a summit on air travel accessibility in May because of what it calls “completely unacceptable” barriers for Canadians living with disabilities.
Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez said airlines have failed to meet the standards that passengers “living with disabilities expect or deserve”, calling for greater accountability in the aviation sector .
Numerous incidents have occurred over the past year, including when a British Columbia man with spastic cerebral palsy was forced to drag himself off an Air Canada plane in Las Vegas.
David Lepofsky, visiting research professor of disability rights at Western University, says the days of “chatter” are long gone and stronger rules and enforcement are needed to ensure a disability experience. dignified journey for all passengers.
He and other advocates argue that loopholes persist after 2019 legislative reforms and that regulators remain reluctant to impose fines large enough to deter violations.
The government says the May 9 Accessibility Summit aims to bring together representatives from industry and disability communities to discuss issues and identify solutions.