Federal Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, as well as representatives of the airline industry, airport authorities and even customers were called upon by parliamentarians to explain the setbacks that marked transport during the holiday season.
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Meeting for the first time since Parliament adjourned in December, the members of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities set out to dissect everything that could have caused the inconvenience that ruined the plans of thousands of travelers.
The latter promised to “find those responsible” and make them “accountable”.
A spokeswoman for Minister Alghabra confirmed that the latter has agreed to participate in the first parliamentary meeting, scheduled for Thursday.
Elected officials also want to hear from customers who have had bad experiences, in addition to consumer advocacy groups.
Also summoned were representatives of Air Canada, Westjet and Sunwing, which has received very bad press with its baggage handling and customers stuck in the south in recent weeks.
In addition, the parliamentarians agreed to invite leaders from the airport authorities of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
As the snowstorm did not spare train travel, the committee invited VIA Rail and Canadian National to come and explain their management of delays and cancellations.
Mr. Alghabra had called the hiccups over the holiday season “unacceptable,” pointing the finger at Ontario tour operator Sunwing, which left hundreds of customers uncertain for long days.
Representatives from the ministry and the Office des transports were also invited to give their point of view on the situation.