OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada has decided to hear a significant class-action lawsuit concerning Air Canada, which has been accused of charging passengers more than the advertised ticket price. The case has garnered attention due to the allegations that the airline failed to clearly disclose all additional fees associated with ticket purchases.

The lawsuit was initiated by a consumer advocacy group along with Montreal resident Michael Silas. Silas claims that during his ticket purchase in 2010, he was charged an additional $124 in taxes, fees, and surcharges that were not included in the initial fare displayed on Air Canada's website. This omission is alleged to be a violation of a consumer protection law that was enacted just weeks before Silas made his purchase.

In a ruling made in the previous year, the Quebec Court of Appeal found in favor of the passengers, ordering Air Canada to compensate them by paying over $10 million in damages. The court criticized Air Canada for displaying "ignorance and laxity" regarding the applicability of provincial consumer protection laws. The airline had argued that it was exempt from these laws, claiming that air transport typically falls under federal jurisdiction.

Both Air Canada and the consumers involved in the case have been granted permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. However, as of now, a specific date for the hearing has not yet been established. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for consumer rights, especially within the airline industry.

This legal battle highlights ongoing concerns regarding transparency in pricing for airline tickets and the necessity of adhering to consumer protection standards. Such cases bring to the fore the complexities surrounding jurisdictional issues between provincial and federal laws, particularly in sectors like transportation.