WestJet should apologize for allowing Poilievre on-flight stump speech: cabin crew union

OTTAWA — The union representing WestJet cabin crew is demanding an apology from the airline after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre spoke on the public address system of a recent flight.

A video circulating online shows Poilievre making short remarks on a Sunday night flight that was leaving Quebec City for Calgary after the Conservative Party of Canada's convention.

Poilievre's campaign-style speech lasts for about 45 seconds and is met with laughter and cheers from passengers.

CUPE Alberta's local president Alia Hussain said it's "very disappointing" that the airline allowed a politician to use the PA system.

"It is doubly disappointing that WestJet is now trying to assign blame on the cabin crew for this event," Hussein said in a statement Tuesday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Hussain said the cabin crew had no input in the decision to allow Poilievre to speak and that the airline's rules say only crew members can use the system.

Hussain is demanding an apology from WestJet for blaming crew members and says both the airline and Poilievre showed poor judgment.

WestJet did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2023.