A class-action lawsuit by travellers who paid extra for seats on Air Canada flights because they were obese or disabled has received permission to take off from a Quebec judge.

A class-action lawsuit by travellers who paid extra for seats on Air Canada flights because they were obese or disabled has received permission to take off from a Quebec judge.



The lawsuit has been authorized by Quebec Superior Court Judge Catherine La Rosa, the Quebec-based law firm handling the case said Monday.



David Bourgoin, lead lawyer for the class-action suit, said 10 to 20 people have come forward with an interest to join to class, adding there has been "a lot of interest" from organizations and groups that represent people with medical conditions that may make them eligible for inclusion.



He said the intention is for those groups to encourage people they work with to come forward.



"We've asked for punitive damages and moral damages, too," said Bourgoin, of BGA Barristers and Solicitors, which has offices in Montreal and Quebec City.



"It's a violation of fundamental rights to discriminate against people with (medical) deficiencies."



The suit seeks $1,000 for "damages for pain, suffering or inconvenience with interest" and an additional $500 for "punitive and exemplary damages with interest" for all people involved.







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