Background information: Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities: Airport Delays, Cancellations, ArriveCAN and Reimposed Measures on Travellers (August 19, 2022)
Overview of committee meetings on airport delays and ArriveCAN
Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT)
The Committee convened to study and learn more about the impacts the ArriveCAN application is having on sectors of the Canadian economy which have come to rely on the efficient operation and facilitation of cross-border travel and trade to ensure their economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) appeared during the first half of the meeting.
Denis Vinette (Vice-President, Travellers Branch) delivered opening remarks which provided background on the implementation of ArriveCAN and the beneficial aspects for travellers. Opening remarks from PHAC followed and they focused on PHAC's role in the utilization of the app by travellers.
MP Tony Baldinelli (CPC) commented on the delays at the Ambassador Bridge and the Peace Bridge, and asked the CBSA to provide the current processing times at the two bridges. The CBSA committed to provide the information in a follow-up to the Committee.
MP Brian Masse (NDP) asked whether the CBSA consults the Privacy Commissioner prior to making changes to the ArriveCAN app, and requested that this information by provided as a follow-up to the Committee. MP Masse commented on the suspension of bus service between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan, the effect this has had on day-travellers who need to take the bus to work, and whether the CBSA has had any discussions with the City of Windsor. The CBSA committed to provide a follow-up response to the question.
Other questions to the CBSA involved the issues that the elderly or inexperienced users of technology are facing when attempting to use the app, and the frustrations of travellers at land POEs and airports.
Several questions were directed to PHAC including whether there is a correlation between the decrease in the spread of COVID-19 and the implementation of the ArriveCAN, the prerequisites to lift the mandatory requirements of the app, and whether the app could be updated to request proof of a third vaccination.
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN)
The Committee convened to study about ways to reduce red tape and costs on rural and urban Canadian airports. The meeting began with opening remarks by Transport Canada, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and NAV CANADA. Each organization's remarks focused on the various measures and initiatives they are undertaking to alleviate airport delays.
MP Melissa Lantsman (CPC) began her questions by asking when CATSA learned of airport capacity issues and with whom this information was shared. CATSA noted they retained 75% of their workforce in planning for the recovery from the pandemic, while noting they work very closely with airports, airlines and Transport Canada to project demand while noting that consumer demand has been very volatile. CATSA noted the demand for April and May was well above industry and CATSA projections. Shifting to why CATSA had not spent 25% of its 2021 budget, CATSA stated that they had not used the funds as demand did not merit having screening officers in airports without adequate demand. She then asked about CATSA's operational efficiencies, with CATSA noting they have one of the more efficient processing systems in the world without being able to provide an estimate for individual processing as they measure by line and line type (general line, CATSA+ lines, etc.).
Parliamentary Secretary (PS) Annie Koutrakis (LPC) began by asking Transport Canada if the Government or the Minister had the authority to get involved in operational decisions at CATSA, with TC officials noting that the department is a regulator and does not generally get involved while reiterating that the department did take up a facilitator role with industry stakeholders to help solve the issues. She then asked Transport Canada about the multifaceted issues facing the air travel industry, with the department offering concurrence to that assessment of the situation and listing a variety of issues that have had an effect (weather, flight reschedulings, labor shortages, etc.). PS Koutrakis then asked about challenges in communicating issues to the public, with TC acknowledging the various issues, managing delays and working with stakeholders to help have consistent information for travellers at all points of travel. She completed her questioning by asking about delays at US Customs, with the CBSA noted that they can't speak for the US Customs Agency but confirmed they are expanding their personnel levels.
MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval (BQ) started by asking CATSA if communications from the Minister of Transport would impact their operations, with the Crown Corporation indicating that the Minister could direct CATSA to align closer to the regulatory system. Shifting to how CATSA maintains screening officer levels, CATSA stated that demand forecasting has been volatile while reiterating the labor shortage challenges and changes in consumer behaviors (etc.: more carry-on bags than usual) have impacts on screening operations. In terms of how CATSA conducts measurements for wait times, with CATSA offering concurrence to MP Barsalou-Duval's assertion that the wait times need to be calculated from the end of the line and offered details of their compliance regime. MP Barsalou-Duval then focused his questions on when travellers can expect regular wait times, with CATSA citing ongoing improvements while underlining that wait times during the summer are normal and happen on a yearly basis. He completed his questions by asking if the delays could have caused security risks, with witnesses not having time to answer the question.
MP Taylor Bachrach (NDP) started by asking of operational health and safety protocols by screening contractors and incentives for employees. CATSA noted that absenteeism is an issue at some airports while rejecting the characterization that they will not be eligible for the bonus if they are sick. CATSA noted its understanding that the principal purpose of the incentive is to encourage employees to come to their scheduled shifts and not to create an incentive for individuals to come to work sick.
Parliamentarians briefing on airport delays
Transport Canada hosted a parliamentary briefing for members of TRAN and the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM) regarding airport delays.
MP Bachrach (NDP) asked about the CATSA attendance incentive program, which he described as providing a financial incentive to come to work sick and asked for a status on the program. CATSA noted the source of the funds for the program while stating that they do expect frontline workers to prioritize their health. TC noted that the department does not generally get involved in the relation between CATSA and its contractors. His second question was about compensation under the Air Passenger Protection regulations and whether staffing issues are outside an airline's control. TC noted the policy framework that establishes whether or not a complaint is within the airline's control and indicated that the adjudication by the CTA is based on information from both the airlines and plaintiffs. His third question was on the ArriveCAN app and whether alternative accommodations are being considered. TC noted the outreach efforts to increase uptake of the app and the CBSA noted alternative ways of submitting the required information (ex.: submit on someone's behalf).
Senator Paula Simons noted the staff shortages faced by airports and asked what the Government was doing to increase airline and airport staffing that can help reduce wait times. She also asked what the Government is doing to ensure proper customer service for individuals impacted by flight cancellations. TC noted the staffing efforts by both the Government agencies and airlines. TC also noted that a key effort is to reboot the system and return to a synchronized air travel system. TC also noted that part of building additional resilience by cutting flights is to reduce the potential for flight duty limits being reached.
MP Lantsman (CPC) asked how long random test will be in place in addition to wait times at Pearson and CBSA processing times. TC noted that the testing at airports was moved off-site to help alleviate airport congestion and that Canadians are now contacted via e-mail to notify that they have been selected for random testing. Officials also explained what the data is used for while noting there is no firm date for lifting random testing.
MP Dan Muys (CPC) asked what lessons have been learned from the summer airport delays that will facilitate the winter travel season. TC stated that the department is currently working with stakeholder organizations to anticipate the expected passenger volume and that measures are currently being put in place to address the existing issues in order to restore synchronization in the air travel system that hopefully avoids airport delays during the winter travel season.
MP Terry Dowdall (CPC) asked what the Government will do to answer concerned international travellers who are unable to reach out to Transport Canada. TC noted that delays in medical certification for pilots were delayed due to the process being paper based during the pandemic. TC noted changes to programs, digitization efforts and the establishment of a new virtual call centre.
Senator Jim Quinn asked if the ArriveCAN app applies to both Canadians and foreigners. Specifically, he asked if Canadians could be denied entry into Canada if they did not use ArriveCAN, which officials confirmed was not the case while noting there could be complications upon re-entry. He then expressed that some Canadians were being denied boarding and pressed that proper direction be provided to airlines to avoid this issue.
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities: Committee biographies
Peter Schiefke (Chair)
Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Vaudreuil – Soulanges, Quebec
Peter was first elected as a Member of Parliament by the citizens of Vaudreuil-Soulanges in . Shortly thereafter he was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth by Prime Minister Trudeau and in 2018 was given the additional responsibilities of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction. In 2019 Peter was re-elected and was shortly thereafter appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change. In , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked him to take on the role of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
Prior to entering into politics Peter worked in numerous capacities lending his expertise in sustainable development to both domestic and international causes. His passion for positive social change inspired his work as the Director and Co-Founder of Youth Action Canada, the CEED Program based in Uganda, East Africa and his work as the National Director of Climate Reality Canada, an organization founded by former US Vice-President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore. For his work he has been awarded a Federal Minister's Commendation, the YMCA Peace Prize and the Forces Avenir Award for Peace Justice and Humanitarian Aid.
Peter holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Concordia University as well as a Master of Science in Renewable Resources from McGill University and currently lives with his wife and two children in his riding of Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec.
Member of the following Committee(s):
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Investments by railway companies in local communities
- Investments in public transit
- Deployment of zero-emission vehicles
Annie Koutrakis
Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Vimy, Quebec
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport
MP Annie Koutrakis was first elected in the 2019 federal election. Following the opening of the 43rd Parliament, MP Koutrakis served on the Standing Committee on Finance, the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic and briefly served on the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying. In addition, she has also served as a member of a number of parliamentary associations and interparliamentary groups.
Prior to entering politics, she worked as the President, CEO, Chair of the executive committee and member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal. She has also served in multiple capacities for local organizations.
MP Koutrakis has a diploma in Social Sciences/Business Administration from Dawson College and has studied Human Resources Management at Concordia University. She is fluent in French, English and Greek.
Member of the following committee(s):
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Supply chain resiliency
- Port modernization
- Railway safety
- Support for the air and aerospace industry
- Support for independent travel advisors
- Municipal public transit infrastructure
- Deployment of zero-emission vehicles
Vance Badawey
Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Niagara Centre, Ontario
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services
Vance Badawey was first elected as Member of Parliament on for the riding of Niagara Centre. Mr. Badawey began his career in public service as a City Councillor for the City of Port Colborne in 1994. He thereafter was elected as Mayor of Port Colborne in 1997. In 2006 he was re-elected to the office of Mayor in Port Colborne and Regional Councillor for the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
As the Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, MP Badawey has collaborated with several parliamentary caucuses, including the Indigenous, Horseshoe, Rural and Steel caucuses.
Member of the following Committee(s):
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Supply chain resiliency
- Deployment of zero-emissions vehicles
- National Trade Corridors Fund and transportation infrastructure investments
- Ports modernization
- Rail Safety
- Level crossing
- Oversight mechanisms
- Maintenance, repair and replacement of VIA Rail's fleet
- CTA Review – Long-term agenda for the future of transportation in Canada
- National strategy on transportation and logistics (intermodal connections)
Angelo Iacono
Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Alfred – Pellan, Quebec
Politician, attorney, public servant and humanitarian. Previously candidate in the 2011 general election and firstly elected in .
Angelo graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from McGill University, completed his studies in civil law at UQAM and obtained his Juris Doctor from Ottawa University, which led to his certification from the Upper Canada Law Society. In search of new horizons, Angelo obtained a certificate from the European Union and its Institutions at the Law Faculty of Lyon (France).
Member of the following Committee(s):
- Standing Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities
- Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Zero-emission vehicles
- Delays at airports
- Global container shortages
- Impact of climate change on critical infrastructure
- Transparency of information sharing between railways and municipalities
George Chahal
Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Calgary Skyview, Alberta
MP George Chahal was first elected in the 44th Canadian general election as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Calgary Skyview. Prior to his election to Parliament, he served as a member of the Calgary City Council.
Prior to his political career, he worked in the financial sector and the construction sector. MP Chahal has a BA in Economics and a Masters in Environmental Design from the University of Calgary.
Member of the following Committee(s):
- Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
- Standing Committee on Natural Resources
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Delays at airports
- Railway safety
- National Trade Corridors Fund
- Investments in public transit
Churence Rogers
Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Bonavista – Burin – Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador
Mr. Rogers is the Liberal Member of Parliament for the riding of Bonavista – Burin – Trinity. He was first elected in a by-election that was held on . Mr. Rogers was elected with 69.2% of the vote.
Before entering federal politics, Mr. Churence Rogers served as the Mayor of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity and as president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities.
Member of the following Committee(s):
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Support for the creation of the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass
- Support for rural and regional airports
- Labour shortages in the transportation sector
- Supply chain resiliency
- Fleet renewal by Marine Atlantic Inc.
Melissa Lantsman
Political affiliation: Conservative Party of Canada
Constituency: Thornhill, Ontario
Conservative critic for Transport
MP Lantsman went to the University of Toronto and is fluent in both official languages.
Melissa Lantsman has a background in communications and has served in various roles throughout her career. She has worked both in the private sector and within the federal government. In this capacity, she provided strategic advice, media-training, debate preparation and speech coaching to various individuals.
MP Lantsman is also commentator on political strategy and communications and has appeared on television in this capacity.
Member of the following committee(s):
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Supply chain resiliency
- Global container shortages
- Labour and capacity shortages in the transportation sector
- Impact of COVID-19 on the air sector
- Deployment of zero-emission vehicles
- Public health measures imposed due to COVID-19
- Delays at airports
Matt Jeneroux
Political affiliation: Conservative Party of Canada
Constituency: Edmonton Riverbend, Alberta
Matt Jeneroux studied at the University of Alberta, where he graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts. Prior to his work in politics, Mr. Jeneroux worked for Health Canada.
In 2012, Matt Jeneroux was elected to the provincial assembly of Alberta, running as a candidate for the Progressive Conservatives of the province. In 2015, Matt Jeneroux lost re-election in his riding of Edmonton – South West. He was thereafter elected to the House of Commons in the 2015 federal election as a Conservative Member of Parliament in the riding of Edmonton Riverbend.
As an MP, Mr. Jeneroux has focused on several issues that related to his critic portfolios. In his capacity as the Western Economic Diversification critic, he introduced a motion calling on the Government to study potential legislative and regulatory reforms to support the geothermal industry.
Matt Jeneroux is married to Dr. Elizabeth Clement, with whom he has two daughters, Molly and Lily.
Member of the following committee(s):
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Competitiveness in the air sector
- Supply chain resiliency
- Public health measures imposed due to COVID-19
Terry Dowdall
Political affiliation: Conservative Party of Canada
Constituency: Simcoe – Grey, Ontario
MP Dowdall was first elected during the 43rd Canadian general election as the Member of Parliament for Simcoe – Grey. During the 43rd Parliament, he served as a member of the Standing Committee on National Defence and the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Throughout his career, MP Dowdall has expressed interest in a number of issues, including the promotion of small businesses, services for members of the Canadian Forces and advocacy for those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis.
Prior to his political career, MP Dowdall worked as a business owner and municipal leader. He has served as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillor for the Township of Essa. He also worked as a Simcoe County councillor from 2003 to 2018 and was elected Simcoe County's Deputy Warden in 2014 and 2016. MP Dowdall has also served three terms on the Board of Directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Member of the following Committee(s):
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Competitiveness of the air sector
- Impact of sanctions imposed on Russia on Canada's agricultural sector
- Approval process for project funding
- Public health measures imposed due to COVID-19
Dan Muys
Political affiliation: Conservative Party of Canada
Constituency: Flamborough – Glanbrook, Ontario
MP Dan Muys was first elected as the MP for Flamborough-Glanbrook in the 43rd general election. He is currently the Deputy critic for Infrastructure and Communities.
Prior to seeking office, MP Muys worked in the private sector, specifically in the energy and agri-food sectors.
In a personal capacity, MP Muys is a member of the Rotary Club, the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce and the Copetown United Church. He has also served in the National Governance Committee of the Canadian Public Relations Society in a number of capacities.
Member of the following Committee(s):
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Relationship between municipalities and railway companies
- Fatigue management in the rail sector
- Supply chain resiliency
- Short-sea marine shipping
- Price competitiveness in the air sector
Xavier Barsalou Duval
Political affiliation: Bloc Québécois
Constituency: Pierre-Boucher – Les Patriotes – Verchères, Quebec
Bloc Critic for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Mr. Barsalou Duval was first elected on . He has a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor's Degree in accounting. Prior to his political career, he taught accounting at the college level and working several years in Cabinet as the accounting auditor. Mr. Barsalou Duval has been highly implicated in his local Bloc Québecois and Parti Québecois riding associations since he was eighteen years old. He thereafter became President of the Forum Jeunesse of the Bloc Québecois, a position he held from 2012 to 2015. In his career, he has also been very active in the Mouvement Montréal français and in the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Montréal.
During the 42nd Parliament, MP Barsalou Duval was the critic for the Economic Development, Government Operations, National Revenue and Public Accounts. MP Barsalou-Duval has been the parliamentary critic for the transport, infrastructure and communities portfolio since the opening of the 43rd Parliament.
Member of the following Committee(s):
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Delays at airports
- Lac-Mégantic rail bypass
- High frequency rail
- Viability of regional air transportation
- Interline agreements (air transportation)
- Air Passenger Protection Regulations
- Importance of official languages in the transportation sector
- Shoreline Protection Program
- Electrification of the transportation sector
Taylor Bachrach
Political affiliation: New Democratic Party of Canada
Constituency: Skeena – Bulkley Valley, British Columbia
NDP Critic for Infrastructure and Communities
In 2008, Mr. Bachrach was elected to the Telkwa Town Council. After moving to Smithers in 2011, he was elected mayor and thereafter won re-election twice.
Mr. Bachrach was first elected to the House of Commons in the 43rd Canadian general election.
Outside of his political life, Mr. Bachrach is the owner of Bachrach Communications, a media consultancy firm in Smithers. Since 2018, he has also served as the President of the Go By Bike BC organization, a cycling advocacy group.
Member of the following Committee(s):
Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
Issues raised relating to the Transport Canada portfolio:
- Delays at airports
- Workplace conditions for screening officers in Canadian airports
- Public health measures imposed due to COVID-19
- Labour shortages in the transportation sector
- Deployment of zero-emission vehicles
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