TOP STORY
The union grieved the prohibition of recreational cannabis use for safety-sensitive positions – including flight attendants and service directors – in Air Transat’s zero-tolerance policy implemented following the legalization of cannabis in 2018. In her decision, the arbitrator reiterated the right of an employer to implement workplace policies subject to the KVP test and compliance with applicable legislation, in this instance the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Civil Code of Quebec. Applying the test established in Goodyear to the policy, she found that the total prohibition of cannabis use was justified in the circumstances by a legitimate and important objective, that it was proportionate to that objective and that the infringement on employees’ privacy was minimal. Throughout her decision, the arbitrator noted the safety-related functions of cabin crew, the lack of definitive knowledge about the long-lasting effects and dependence potential of cannabis, and the lack of reliable tools to assess impairment. In the end, she dismissed the grievance, concluding that public safety concerns prevailed over employees’ privacy rights as they relate to the recreational use of cannabis.
Decisions
Claim, cancellation, partial flight – Chalkhoun c Air Canada, 2026 QCCQ 2029
Plaintiff purchased round trip tickets for herself, her daughter and her adult son – plaintiff later requested for son to use ticket for return trip only, but airline refused – plaintiff cancelled son’s ticket and sued airline for cost of ticket and $10,000 in punitive damages on basis of alleged breach of contract and unjust enrichment – Court found plaintiff was bound by airline tariff which provides that flights are honoured only in order they are issued – cancellation of outbound flight resulted in automatic cancellation of return trip – Court further found punitive damages were precluded under Montreal Convention – claim dismissed with costs
Workers’ compensation, employment injury, income replacement – Trans-Sol Aviation Service inc. et Calderon Cueva, 2026 QCTAT 1843
Employer appealed Commission’s recognition of ramp agent’s knee injury and calculation of income replacement benefit – Tribunal found presumption of employment injury applied – lack of witness to accident does not prevent application of presumption – legislation provides for income replacement benefit based on gross income under contract or higher gross income earned in 12 months prior to injury – worker provided evidence of higher gross income when accounting for overtime – Tribunal confirmed income replacement benefit based on higher gross income, subject to maximum insurable income – appeal dismissed
Workers’ compensation, employment injury, occupational deafness – Air Canada et Jallet, 2026 QCTAT 1942
Commission recognized mechanic’s occupational deafness with 10.35% permanent impairment – Commission awarded $6,443.08 indemnity for bodily injury – employer appealed – in absence of regulation governing new eligibility criteria for noise-induced hearing loss, Tribunal applied test for presumption of employment injury – Tribunal determined presumption applied – appeal dismissed
Workers’ compensation, income replacement, gradual return to work – Decision No.: 2026-0249, 2026 CanLII 42596 (AB WCAC)
Board accepted flight attendant’s claim for adjustment disorder and PTSD following two traumatic emergencies – Board terminated income replacement benefit at end of 6-month gradual return to work plan (GRTW) – Board’s decision upheld on review – worker appealed review decision, requesting 2 additional months of benefits to ease back into service director duties – Commission found worker had no work restrictions at end of GRTW – Commission also accepted employer’s evidence that service director duties were part of flight attendant position – appeal dismissed
Workers’ compensation, objection, timeliness – Air Canada et LANXESS Canada Co./Cie., 2026 QCTAT 1838
Commission recognized retired lead station attendant’s occupational deafness – employer appealed and objected to timeliness of claim – Tribunal found worker’s significant health issue and COVID-19 confinement explained delay in filing claim – Tribunal relieved worker from default to file claim in timely manner – objection dismissed – employer’s appeal to proceed on merits
CTA News and Decisions
Application – Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT SA (LOT Polish Airlines SA) (LOT Polish) on behalf of itself and EuroAtlantic Airways – Transportes Aéreos, S.A. (EuroAtlantic) – Determination No. A-2026-83
Application for approval to permit LOT Polish to provide its scheduled international service between Poland and Canada using aircraft with flight crew provided by EuroAtlantic, beginning on June 1, 2026, to October 1, 2026 – approval granted subject to conditions
Application – French Bee on behalf of itself and Air Caraïbes Atlantique – Determination No. A-2026-84
Application to modify start date of wet lease operations from June 22, 2026 to May 13, 2026 – application granted
Suspension – GFK Flight Support, Inc. – Order No. 2026-A-S-82
Licence 990077
TC/TSB News
- Airworthiness Directives
- Civil Aviation Safety Alerts
- Helicopter experiences lightning strike and loss of control over North Pender Island, British Columbia
Industry Association News
- CBAA – Your Weekly Bulletin – May 14, 2026
- IATA – Jet fuel flexibility: How the industry is preparing for supply disruptions
Union News
- CUPE Air Canada Component – Protecting scope, enforcing our collective agreement, and addressing member concerns
- Unifor 2002 – AGI Toronto Pearson Airport Update – May 8th, 2026
- Unifor 2002 – Paladin Airport Security Services (PASS) Members: Bargaining Update for May 13th, 2026
- Unifor 2002 – Perimeter Aviation Members: Bargaining Update for May 8th, 2026
Airport News
- ADM Aéroports de Montréal appoints Philippe Batani as Vice President of Public Affairs, External Communications, and Reputation
- Carney says selling public assets like airports could fund infrastructure
- Charlottetown Airport saw fewer passengers in 2025, but officials optimistic about a rebound
- Government of Canada marks the groundbreaking of a major supply chain expansion project at Edmonton International Airport
- Moncton Airport sees flights cancelled amid aviation fuel cost crisis
- Minister MacKinnon announces the renaming of the Charlottetown Airport to honour former Premier Alexander B. Campbell
- Pearson Airport CEO defends current ownership model as feds explore privatization
- Toronto Pearson enters a new era, launching one of Canada’s largest airport infrastructure programs
Rotary Operator News
- RCAF CT-153 Juno helicopter completes first Canadian test flight, reveals paint scheme
- TSB: Helijet S-76 likely hit by helicopter-induced lightning mid-flight
General Aviation News
- Air Canada and Air Canada Foundation launch first Autism Aviation Day of 2026 in Saskatoon
- Finding your way through the four stages of pilot competence
- ‘It’s a big investment’: Ottawa announces major investment in Atlantic Canada’s aerospace sector
- Leading the Conversation: NAV CANADA convenes industry at 2026 Aviation Safety Forum
- Minister Joly announces $55 million Federal Investment to advance sustainable Canadian dual-use aerospace technology at MDS Coating
- Montreal flight simulator company looks for alternatives for aviation software
- NAV CANADA to sell its stake in Aireon Holdings LLC to Iridium Communications Inc.
- Questions about Canadian Forces Snowbirds linger ahead of government update
- Voyageur expands ATR capabilities with new landing gear facility in Ottawa, Ontario
- WestJet accused of tricky manoeuvre to deny dozens of passengers compensation after flight cancellations