Transport Canada announced last Friday (Sept. 4) that they've issued the first fines in Canada to those who refused to wear a face covering while on a flight.  

The two people fined $1000 each were on WestJet flights this summer. The first was June 14 on a flight from Calgary to Waterloo, ON, and the second on July 7 from Vancouver to Calgary. 

Transport Canada reports the individuals were, “directed repeatedly by the air crew to wear their face coverings during the flights and in both cases, the individuals refused.” 

The fines were issued for contravening the Interim Order to Prevent Certain Persons from Boarding Flights in Canada due to COVID-19. 

Under the order, passengers must wear a face covering while boarding, during the flight and until entering the air terminal, when they are two metres or less from another person. Masks can be removed when eating, drinking and taking medicine. Travelers also are required to comply with instruction of gate agents or crew members regarding masks. 

Less than two weeks ago, WestJet announced a new zero-tolerance mask policy that could result in a year-long ban from WestJet flights for those who will not comply with masking rules.