The 2023 federal budget proposed by the Liberal government includes $1.8-billion over the next five years for the Canadian Air Transport Security Agency (CATSA) to improve passenger screening and security at airports. It includes a new rule requiring airports and airlines share passenger data to increase coordination across the industry and reduce delays.
According to CTV, members of the airline industry have had a mixed reaction to the proposals. National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) president and CEO Jeff Morrison called the changes a "missed opportunity" with "no significant measures to improve the journey" for travellers. He says NACC wants to see more investment in infrastructure modernization.
Canadian Airports Council president Monette Pasher said "we are encouraged by the practical, incremental policy steps taken in the 2023 federal budget" but adds that there is more to be done for airports to fully recover.
Option consommateurs lawyer Sylvie De Bellefeuille said when it comes to the data sharing aspect of the budget, airlines are likely to be resistant to sharing information and that their willingness to do so will depend on what kind of data they are expected to provide.
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