Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the airport… Canadians managed to get through a winter marred by travel snafus, including winter storms, overcrowded airports and cancelled flights. But now comes a potential spring double whammy. Some 155,000 federal works are on strike today (April 20). Talks are back on between the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Trudeau government, but for now Canada Revenue Agency workers are not at their desks, and Canadian passport offices are closed. The CBC reports that passport applications and renewals “are on hold and limited to those in humanitarian Read more
Canada
A Canadian parliamentary committee is calling for sweeping changes to Canada’s air passenger rights rules, including better compensation regulations for those facing delayed or cancelled flights, and tougher enforcement of the rules. Canadian Press reports that the recommendations, tabled in Ottawa on Tuesday (April 18), comes after chaotic travel seasons over the summer and winter holidays brought on by soaring demand, labour shortages and winter storms. The House of Commons standing committee on transport offered 21 recommendations, including stronger monetary penalties, smoother processing of compensation claims and automatic payout offers after cancellations, significant delays or denial of boarding. The Globe Read more
The union representing WestJet pilots says they have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate. A representative of the Air Line Pilots Association told the CBC that 95% of pilots took part in the strike mandate voting, and that 93% were in favour of giving the union the ability to call a strike. Yahoo finance said pilots could strike or be locked out if notice is given on May 13. A job action that close to the long May weekend would obviously be extremely disruptive for Canadian travellers. WestJet officials pointed out that a strike authorization vote is a Read more
Vancouver International Airport is vowing major changes following a winter of woe. Officials on Monday announced a $40 million action plan will add new staff, improve training, better leverage technology, increase communication, and invest in additional equipment to keep more aircraft moving and passengers well informed. This plan follows a comprehensive review of the December 17-28, 2022 travel disruption at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), when thousands of passengers were stranded due to winter storms. Airport executives said they received direct feedback from more than 1,500 passengers and members of the public for the review. They also admitted they did a Read more
Tourism Ireland’s new global campaign – ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ – is going live in Canada this week. The campaign is all about celebrating the different ways in which the island of Ireland fills the hearts of our visitors and of locals – and inviting potential holidaymakers to experience those for themselves. It’s an advocacy-led campaign, starring a selection of famous Irish personalities sharing the things about Ireland which fill their hearts and dialling up what differentiates Ireland from other destinations. The new ads will shine a light on Ireland’s characters and culture, through engaging personal anecdotes told by Read more
