Committee hearing: Alghabra to answer questions about airport delays

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra will testify today (Aug. 19) before the House of Commons transport committee on airport and airline delays that have wreaked havoc on travellers over the past several months.

There's no surprise that airlines and airports have been grappling with a surge in customers this summer, compounded by staffing shortages affecting both carriers and federal agencies.

READ MORE - Canadian airports, airlines top global list of delays; Pearson second-worst offender on earth

The result: widespread flight cancellations, baggage delays, and lengthy lineups, particularly at Toronto's Pearson International Airport.

The transport committee voted unanimously last week to hold a hearing on the delays and invite Alghabra to testify.

Alghabra, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, will appear via video conference.

Transport Canada reports in a recent statement that it has been working with industry partners to improve conditions at airports and cited fewer cancellations and delays in the first week of August compared with a month ago.

READ MORE - Canada's airports performance comparable to 2019

Today's hearing witnesses

 Department of Transport

• Michael Keenan, Deputy Minister
• Aaron McCrorie, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Safety and Security
• Colin Stacey, Director General, Air Policy
• Nicholas Robinson, Director General, Civil Aviation

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

• Mike Saunders, President and Chief Executive Officer
• Nancy Fitchett, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer
• Neil Parry, Vice-President, Operations

Canada Border Services Agency

• Denis Vinette, Vice-President, Travellers Branch

Public Health Agency of Canada

• Jennifer Lutfallah, Vice President, Health Security and Regional Operations Branch

This is a developing story.

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