Transport Minister says the app is not contributing to airport congestion.
Canada's Transport Minister is defending the ArriveCAN app.
Omar Alghabra says there is no evidence to suggest the app is causing problems at airports.
"ArriveCAN is not contributing to the congestion. In fact, ArriveCAN is a useful tool that helps verify the vaccination status of an individual before arriving at our borders," he said while appearing before the House of Commons transport committee.
"If we didn’t have ArriveCAN, the processing of arrivals would take longer time, because it would have to be done manually."
Some experts say a number of issues have contributed to delays, including staffing shortages and airlines' refusal to reduce flights.
Pearson Airport in particular has faced widespread cancellations, large lineups and baggage delays.
Meanwhile, the federal government continues to face questions about the need for the ArriveCAN app.
During the meeting, Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli said Canada should follow the lead of other countries who have gotten rid of pandemic restrictions relating to air travel.
"Sixty countries around the world have abandoned all air travel pandemic restrictions, including most of our European allies. So why does this government continue to cling to these restrictions, which only do a disservice and disincentivize travel to this country," he said.
Alghabra responded by saying Conservatives had done more damage by dismissing COVID-19 protections and supporting convoy protests.
Baldinelli responded by noting 40,000 people in his riding work in the tourism sector, and have been hit hard by reduced travel.
In a recent statement, Transport Canada said it is working with industry partners to improve conditions at airports in the country.
It also cited fewer cancellations and delays in the first week of August compared with the previous month.
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