Possible legal consequences begin for Sunwing passengers after feds spot 12 alleged infractions
Health Canada has started the process for possible legal consequences for some of the passengers on the infamous Sunwing flight to Cancun on Dec. 30.
However, the alleged infractions the agency is looking at are not related to the partying on the plane, according to Quebec prosecutors.
"These files do not cover the events that occurred during the flight, the images of which made the headlines," said Audrey Roy-Cloutier, a spokesperson for the Quebec Crown prosecutors' office.
Health Canada also suggested it wasn't interested in people's behaviour on the flight, but at other alleged problems surrounding the trip.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is “following up on suspected fraudulent cases and non respect of quarantine,” the agency's statement read.
Health Canada originally confirmed to CTV News on Monday that it had sent notices of infractions to Quebec’s prosecutor in relation to the flight's passengers, and that more will be sent later.
In an email, the health agency said that of the 12 notices of non-compliance under the Quarantine Act it has identified so far, three reports were sent to the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales (DPCP) for their review.
It will be up to the prosecutor to decide whether or not to issue a fine.
Passengers are implicated in the 12 infractions and more are expected to be issued in the coming days, Health Canada said.
What "fraudulent cases" could be referring to is unclear.
The Dec. 30 flight became notorious for the alcohol-fuelled partying of the passengers, which aviation experts said posed a serious danger.
One young woman who went on the trip later told media that some participants tried to fake their COVID-19 swabs.
She said many of them later tested positive, including her, and needed to self-isolate in Mexico.
Sunwing cancelled the group's return flight and two other Canadian airlines refused to allow members of the group to fly with them, either, leaving around 100 stranded in Mexico, though at least a dozen appeared to find a way home to Canada last week.
Roy-Cloutier said Quebec prosecutors are looking at files from a variety of agencies, not just Health Canada.
"Several investigations are carried out by different organizations in relation to the application of various laws," she wrote in a statement.
"Any matter brought to our attention by one of these organizations will be analyzed in accordance with our guidelines and applicable legal principles to determine whether any legal action should be taken."
She said the information in a certain file will only become public once a criminal charge is filed or a statement of offence is served, so for the moment her office cannot say more.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.