Rejet du projet de loi C-310

La chambre des communes a rejeté hier le projet de loi C-310.  Ce projet qui visait à imposer, de façon très souvent injustifiée, aux transporteurs aériens des amendes sévères a été décrié par la plupart acteurs de l'industrie.  L'AQTA a milité en faveur du rejet de ce projet de loi et c'est avec soulagement que nous pouvons aujourdhui respirer.

Le comité en charge d'évaluer le projet de loi a dû se rendre à l'évidence, C-310 était injustifié, inapplicable et inapproprié. Les députés ont donc hier donner suite à ces constatations  et voté en faveur du rejet du projet de loi.

Voici un bref extrait du débat de la semaine dernière :

« There are many northern communities, many aboriginal settlements, many communities in Newfoundland and Labrador and other parts of the country that simply cannot afford to be isolated without airline travel on a regular basis. The government, as a result, cannot support legislation that would contribute to a reduction in the number of flights serving remote locations throughout the country, especially in our north.

Another key industry stakeholder present at the committee was Mr. Marco Prud'homme, president and general manager of the Quebec Air Transportation Association. I actually heard from him today on another matter. The association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve and work in developing Quebec's air transport industry.

Mr. Prud'homme's main concern with the bill was that it does not recognize the inherent complexities of the air industry and the particular issues for various regions in Quebec. For example, the bill's high fines would have a particularly great impact on smaller, regional carriers like Air Inuit, which primarily services the province's northern community. This would not be acceptable.

I would like to conclude by emphasizing this government's support for consumer protection legislation in the aviation industry especially, and our objective to create a balance in protecting passengers, the safety of Canadians, and ensuring a competitive industry.

Our Conservative government supports passengers and will continue to look at all possible practical ways to protect them while not punishing Canadian businesses or services to remote areas that rely on air transportation. - Mr. Brian Jean, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, CPC »

Le projet de loi C-310 avait pour objectif de rendre responsable les transporteurs aériens de tous les retards et annulations pouvant survenir et d’obliger ces derniers à dédommager les passagers.