Quebec to cap round-trip flights to regions at $500

In an effort to encourage tourism across all regions of Quebec, the provincial government is offering to cap prices for round-trip plane tickets at $500.

Quebec Transport Minister Franois Bonnardelmade the announcement Tuesdayat the regional airport in Mont-Joli, Que., located about 570 kilometres northeast of Montrealin the Lower Saint-Lawrence region.

Bonnardel saidthe $500 maximum fare willalso applyto trips that require connecting flights.

The discount will be applied at the time of purchase, and the government will compensate airlines by making up the differencebetween the discountedpriceand the fare usually charged.

Bonnardel says the regional air transport plan will cost the province $261 million over five years.

"Our objective with this plan we are unveilingis to stimulate demand by making sure that every Quebecer can travel to distant regions for a maximum amount [of $500], any time throughoutthe year," Bonnardel said.

He said it's difficult forQuebecersto accept that they can get from Montreal to Paris and back for $800 or $900, but they have to pay $1,200 or $1,500 to get to Chibougamau or to Gasp.

Asked whether the government subsidieswould end up giving airlines an incentiveto increase their fares,Bonnardelsaid prices would be "negotiated annually,'' based on the rate of inflation.

JolArseneau, the Parti Qubcois MNA for the Magdalen Islands, saidthe government's plan will nothelp ensure access to flights to and from certain regions.

"The government says, 'Well, you'll have tariffs.' But what if seats are not available?" the MNAasked.

The number of tickets available at discounted prices won't be limitless, a spokesperson for the minister told Radio-Canada. That will depend on the season and the route.

However, Bonnardel said the government will negotiate with air carriers to ensure there are enough subsidized flights to meet demand.

Regional air travel has taken a hit during the pandemic, right across Canada. In 2020, Air Canada indefinitely suspended service on many regional routes, including several routesin Quebec.

Caroline Proulx, the province's tourism minister, said her staff is preparinga major promotional campaign to encourage Quebecers, as well as tourists from farther afieldto choose the province's regions as a vacation destination.