The Quebec minister responsible for consumer protection announced a new law Monday providing better protection for travellers left in the lurch.
Justice Minister Kathleen Weil said the new law requires travel agencies to be certified or hold a permit, providing more professional service and better protection to clients.
Travel is an $11 billion industry in Quebec, and agents will now have to pay more for insurance bonds to fully cover consumers for such possibilities as bankruptcy or travellers stranded due to natural disasters.
"There's been a number of cases over the last few years where the indemnity people could seek would be a matter of $3000. There will no longer be a ceiling on that indemnity," said Weil.
Weil said she doesn't believe the increased indemnity for travellers will cost consumers much more than a few dollars per trip.
Further, retail travel agents and tour operators will work under one permit, allowing them to exchange services more easily.
The new law that will help provide increased stability for both consumers and the travel industry, said Weil.
The law goes into effect June 30th.
