Air Canada says it violated disability act after passenger in wheelchair forced to drag himself off flight
CBC
Air Canada has issued an apology to a man who uses a wheelchair, saying it violated Canadian disability legislation when he was forced to drag himself off a flight because of a lack of available assistance.
Rodney and Deanna Hodgins of Prince George, B.C. were travelling to Las Vegas from Vancouver on August 30 when an Air Canada crew member told the Hodgins he would need to get to the front of the plane without any assistance.
Rodney, who has cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair, usually exits the plane with the help of an aisle chair, a narrow version of a wheelchair.
Rodney, 50, dragged himself through the aisle to the front of the plane by pulling on seat legs, with Deanna crawling behind him, moving his legs.
WATCH | Hodgins plans to keep fighting for passenger rights:
The incident, which caused Rodney significant pain, garnered national and international attention.
Beenish Awan, a representative with Air Canada, sent the Hodgins a lengthy statement, which read in part, "it was a very inconvenient and humiliating experience for both of you. I am genuinely sorry to hear about your and your husband's experience and offer my sincere apologies for the experience.
"Based on the information we currently have available; we have to regrettably admit that Air Canada was in violation of the disability regulations. I reiterate my genuine apologies for disappointing you."
The airline also offered the couple $2,000 in flight credits.
Deanna Hodgins said the admission of wrongdoing represented "a victory."
"To admit you're wrong, that's what we wanted. Now we just want to see change. Because you can say sorry, but you have to institute change to be sorry."
The Las Vegas incident with the Hodgins was also discussed in Parliament, with NDP MP for Port Moody-Coquitlam, Bonita Zarillo, calling what happened to Rodney "degrading and a violation of human rights."
Canada's Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez responded, saying he was "horrified" by how Rodney was treated by Air Canada.
"Persons with disabilities deserve equal rights and access when travelling and Canadians expect Air Canada to do better. Much, much better," he said.
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