MONTREAL — The threat of a possible industrial dispute at WestJet is causing concern amongst some consumers, although protections may apply in Quebec to ensure refunds are received, subject to certain conditions. Some of the airline’s flights were already cancelled on Saturday morning, as the company seeks to prevent cabin crew and passengers from being stranded. The union representing 4,400 cabin crew members has issued a 72-hour strike notice, which will end on Sunday, shortly after midnight local time, in Calgary, where WestJet’s head office is based. For its part, the airline has responded by issuing a lock-out notice for the same period. In light of this dispute, the Office for Consumer Protection (OPC) has reminded the public that customers of licensed travel agents in Quebec are eligible for compensation from the Travel Agents’ Customer Compensation Fund (FICAV). “The FICAV can not only reimburse you for travel services you did not receive due to a flight cancellation, but also for any other services you paid for through the travel agent and which you will be unable to use as a result of the strike,” explained Charles Tanguay, from the OPC’s Communications and Education Department, in an interview. This could, for example, include a cruise or missed hotel stays due to a flight cancellation or delay. “It really is a valuable form of protection that you’d be mad to do without these days,” emphasised Mr Tanguay. The situation becomes more complicated, however, if the flight booking was made via a website that is not a travel agency or directly with the airline. “The best you can hope for is a refund for the cancelled flight, and even then, you sometimes have to insist,” said Mr Tanguay. He did, however, point out that consumers still have rights, particularly if airlines offer travel credits. “It is your right to demand a full refund if the service is not provided,” he maintained. Alternatively, it is always possible to contact the issuer of the credit card used to purchase the tickets to request a refund. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Aug. 1, 2026.
