Transport Minister Marc Garneau defends decision not to force airlines to offer COVID-19 refunds

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Brian Platt Publishing date:7 hours ago • 2 minute read

Airlines have been financially devastated by the pandemic and Transport Minister Marc Garneau said he’s trying to avoid the companies from collapsing. GRAHAM HUGHES/THE CANADIAN PRESS/FILE

OTTAWA — Transport Minister Marc Garneau says he’s following the situation of Canadians still trying to get their money back from cancelled flights due to COVID-19, but is standing by his decision — at least so far — not to force airlines to offer refunds.

During a House of Commons committee appearance on Tuesday, Garneau was grilled by opposition MPs about why he hasn’t ordered airlines to offer refunds, as opposed to vouchers or credits for future flights. But Garneau said airlines have been financially devastated by the pandemic and he’s trying to avoid the companies from collapsing.

“We are following the situation,” Garneau said. “I’m encouraging the airlines to provide the best possible compensation to their passengers when circumstances permit. Some of these airlines are not in a position to do this at this time.”