432-01176 (Transportation)

Whereas, thousands of Canadian consumers have had their trips cancelled because of border closures and the lockdowns put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19;

Whereas, thousands of these consumers are being given travel credits instead of refunds by air carriers and tour operators;

Whereas, many consumers are currently experiencing financial hardship as a result of reduced income or job loss due to the pandemic;

Whereas, these travel credits come with restrictive terms and conditions, including that they must be used within 24 months, that they are nontransferable or that they do not provide any price guarantee; and

Whereas, many consumers will not be able to use these credits within the time limits imposed by air carriers due to financial or health problems or the fact that the risks related to COVID-19 have not yet been eliminated.

We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to require airlines and other carriers under federal jurisdiction to allow customers whose trips have been cancelled due to the current pandemic to obtain a refund and to provide support to airlines to make this possible if necessary.