News Safety
Transport Canada levies first fines for refusal to wear masks during flight

Transport Canada, following its investigations, on September 4 issued the first fines in Canada for two commercial-transport passengers who refused to wear masks. Transport Canada notes the actions of the passengers contravened the Interim Order to Prevent Certain Persons from Boarding Flights in Canada due to COVID-19.

The two individuals have been fined $1,000 each for refusing to follow the direction from the air crew to wear their face coverings. The first incident occurred on June 14 on a WestJet flight from Calgary to Waterloo, Ontario. The second incident occurred on July 7 on a WestJet flight from Vancouver to Calgary.

Transport Canada states, in both incidents, the individuals were directed repeatedly by the air crew to wear their face coverings during the flights and in both cases, the individuals refused.

Under the interim order, explains Transport Canada, all travelers must have a face covering with them prior to boarding. Travelers must wear their face coverings at all time while boarding, during the flight and from the moment the doors of the aircraft are opened until the person enters the air terminal building when they are two metres or less from another person. Certain exemptions do apply, such as a while eating, drinking and taking oral medicine.