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Federal government open to random alcohol testing for pilots

Captain is starting increasing thrust to take off. Departure is during sunset.
Captain is starting increasing thrust to take off. Departure is during sunset.
Last month, a Sunwing pilot was found unconscious in a plane in Calgary

The Transport Minister is reportedly open to the idea of random alcohol testing for airline pilots.

Marc Garneau tells Global News the government is open to hearing arguments on the topic.

Last month, a Sunwing pilot was found unconscious in a plane at the Calgary airport and impaired charges were laid.

Random testing is not something that currently happens in Canada but it is a criminal offence for any flight crew member to work within eight hours of drinking alcohol.

Following the incident in Calgary, Garneau announced he'd be meeting with airlines, unions and medical experts to make sure it doesn't happen again.