To get rid of a bit of fog surrounding his $ 500 plane ticket program, Quebec’s Minister of Transportation is rectifying the situation: Quebecers, Canadians and foreigners will all benefit from this preferential rate starting June 1 for regional flights to the beautiful province.
With the goal of boosting tourism, we want as many people as possible to have access to the program.confirmed in writing by Minister Bonnardel’s press secretary, Claudia Loupret, Monday at the end of the afternoon.
” It is expected that it is primarily Quebecers who will take advantage of it, even if it is open to all. “
Earlier in the day, Radio-Canada published a report in which air carriers lamented the lack of information from the government, which triggered a tsunami of calls from citizens within a week.
During the opening of his program, Minister François Bonnardel made surprising statements about people who could take advantage of $ 500 plane tickets.
He notably indicated that foreign tourists are entitled to it. This declaration has shocked the carriers, who have not yet heard of such a possibility in their meetings with the Ministry of Transport (MTQ), according to their statements.
Then, in an interview with Paul Arcand, 24 hours later, Mr. Bonnardel indicated that the program would not include residents of other Canadian provinces, because they are not Quebecers in good and due form.
Radio-Canada tried to figure out what was the difference between a Canadian tourist and a foreign tourist, in the eyes of MTQ, but to no avail.
After several days of uncertainty, then the government confirms that everyone will have access to the preperential rate of $ 500, including people traveling on business.
” Since the terms and conditions will already give a limit of discounted tickets per individual, people will not be told what to do with the tickets they buy. “
But companies cannot buy tickets at this pricehowever nuanced Ms. Loupret, repeated what the minister had announced.
How can abuse be prevented?
Although the government hopes Quebecers will benefit from the priority from $ 500 tickets, feasibility questions have arisen.
Because tickets will be in limited quantities and that they will be available is the principle of first come, first servedhow can we be sure they are not bought by the Americans, French or Chinese?
The minister’s press secretary had no answer to offer to this question late Monday, indicating that the conditions [du programme] will know soon.
Other questions remain unanswered, particularly how MTQ or air carriers will enforce the maximum number of $ 500 tickets a person will be allowed to purchase.
Source: Radio-Canada
