The union representing WestJet’s flight attendants has called on WestJet to apologize for letting Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre use an airplane PA system to address passengers en route to Calgary from the Conservative convention in Quebec City.
In a thread on X, formerly Twitter, CUPE Local 4070 said it was “very disappointing” that the company allowed it.
“It’s very disappointing that WestJet management let a politician use the public address (PA) system on a recent flight for his political statement,” the union wrote.
“It is doubly disappointing that WestJet is now trying to assign blame on the cabin crew for this event. The cabin crew had no input into this decision. WestJet’s own work rules state clearly that no one other than operating crew are to use the public address system. A plane’s cabin crew should never be put in a position of having to take a political stance.”
An X user who attended the Conservative convention posted a clip of Poilievre’s light-hearted address.
“This is your captain’s warning, a little bit of turbulence but it will only last about two years,” Poilievre said to laughter and applause from the passengers.
“At which time we’ll have a totally new crew and pilot in charge of the plane. We’ll pierce through the storm, safely land in our home, in the country we know and love. Your home, my home, our home. Let’s bring it home.”
Several activists, including singer Jann Arden, denounced WestJet for allowing Poilievre to speak over the PA system.
WestJet specifically scheduled the flight to accommodate the large number of travelers seeking transit from Quebec City to Calgary because of the Conservative convention.
WestJet said in a statement that the use of the PA was “approved in advance by WestJet operational leadership” but the cabin crew had the final say.
The union said this put the cabin crew in a difficult position.
“The cabin crew had no input into this decision. WestJet’s own work rules state clearly that no one other than operating crew are (sic) to use the public address system,” the union said.
“A plane’s cabin crew should never be put in a position of having to take a political stance.”
The union said WestJet showed “bad judgment” and called on both the airline and Poilievre to apologize.
“A flight’s PA system should be used to give passengers information they need and require. The crew is responsible for the safety of everyone on board, and we take that responsibility seriously. WestJet management and Mr. Poilievre owe passengers and crew an apology.”
Some X users disagree, with one person writing, “But… doesn’t the cabin crew have the ability to make sure that no one else uses the PA system? So if they didn’t want him on the PA, wouldn’t they’ve been able to stop him? So technically it’s the cabin crews fault…?”
Another user posted a video of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau doing something very similar on a subway for the Underground Freedom Train.
