Man charged for refusing to wear mask on plane to Vancouver
Posted June 24, 2020 12:41 pm.
Last Updated June 24, 2020 5:06 pm.
WINNIPEG — A 39-year-old Winnipeg man is facing charges after refusing to wear a face mask on a flight Monday to Vancouver, according to RCMP.
Officers in Winnipeg were called out to deal with an “unruly” passenger, who is now facing a charge of refusing to comply with flight crew instructions.
RELATED: Smokes on a plane: Surrey man arrested after lighting cigarette mid-flight, forcing landing in Winnipeg
The charge — which carries a maximum fine of $5,000 — comes a little more than a week after a Surrey man caused a flight from Vancouver to Toronto to be diverted to Winnipeg because he also refused to wear a mask and lit up a cigarette on the plane.
In that case, the 60-year-old was taken into custody on charges that included mischief and smoking on an aircraft.
Since April, Canadians are required to wear face masks when they get on a plane.
The rule means all air passengers must wear a non-medical mask or face covering over their mouths and noses during travel, including at screening checkpoints, when they cannot physically distance themselves from others, and if directed to do by airline employees or public health officials or orders, according to Minister of Transport Marc Garneau.
