Marc Garneau is getting a strong rebuke from members of the Senate transport committee over who is to blame for the delays in approving a bill to create an air passenger bill of rights.
The Liberals have been pushing senators to approve the bill by the end of the month so an air passenger bill of rights could be created early next year.
Conservative Sen. David Tkachuk says the Liberals are wrongfully targeting the upper chamber for holding up the legislation and should instead be placing the blame at their own feet.
Garneau says he feels there is an urgency to pass the legislation.
The legislation would set rules and fines for airlines in situations where a passenger has been bumped from an overbooked flight, suffered lost or damaged luggage or endured an overly long wait on the tarmac – but only when the carrier is responsible.
Garneau says the bill would also increase rail safety by requiring voice and video recorders in locomotives.