New Brunswick’s education minister has lashed out at Air Canada, saying the airline is incompetent because it decided over the weekend to cancel a Monday flight that would have taken him and four officials to a meeting in Regina.
Dominic Cardy posted a series of tweets on Saturday, saying the cancellation, announced earlier that day, means New Brunswick will not have representation at this year’s Council of Education Ministers meeting.
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Air Canada to reduce July and August flights in response to travel congestion
Cardy continued to call for the deregulation of Canada’s airline industry.
His comments sparked a debate online, with some people asking the minister why his delegation had to attend in person rather than take part in a Zoom call, which would save taxpayers money.
In response, Cardy said he does not lead the council, and doubled down on suggesting that “incompetent and spoiled airlines” that accept money for services they know they cannot provide could be committing fraud.
Air Canada could not be immediately reached for comment.
An online commenter suggested that Cardy should try to book a flight on another airline.
“It had crossed my mind to look for other tickets on other airlines, but thanks for the professional advice,” the minister tweeted.
The comment prompted this response: “Your chutzpah is top notch!”
Air Canada announced last week that it would cut more than 15 per cent of its schedule in July and August, more than 9,500 flights, due to an air transport system clogged by increased demand.
Also last week, Calgary-based WestJet Airlines confirmed it will fly 32% fewer flights to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport in July than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent weeks, logistical problems in the airline industry have led to long lines, complicated connections and canceled flights at many Canadian airports.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 3, 2022.
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