Canadian influencers and reality show personalities partying on a Sunwing flight from Montreal to Cancun on December 30 could face fines and even jail time.
Canadian influencers flew to Cancun for a New Year’s Eve celebration. The trip began with a privately chartered plane from Montreal to Cancun that also has a DJ onboard. The six-night trip involved parties and a day exploring Tulum, a popular destination known for beautiful beaches.
Unfortunately, the trip turned into a disaster as videos circulated online showing passengers violating COVID19 restrictions. In the videos, the passengers onboard were dancing, drinking alcohol, while there was even one woman seen vaping.
James William Awad, a musician, and self-described entrepreneur organized the New Year’s Eve event. According to Canada’s health minister Jean-Yves Duclos, 27 of the 130 passengers are already back in Canada. Duclos said that “They were all stopped and interrogated at the border”.
However, many of the Canadian influencers are still in Mexico. Three airlines barred the Canadian influencers and reality TV personalities. Awad announced on Thursday in his personal blog that “The 111 private club is working tirelessly to get everyone back home safely as quickly as we can”.
At least one of the passengers tested positive for COVID19. 19-year-old Rebecca St.-Pierre confirmed that she tested positive on Wednesday, and is isolating in Tulum, south of Cancun.
Canadian Influencers And Reality TV Personalities Could Face Jail Time
The group is facing possible fines of up to $5,000 for each offense onboard according to Transport Canada. Transport Canada prohibits passengers from not wearing masks while traveling.
In addition to this, there is possible jail time if authorities proved that they endangered others or if they provided false information upon returning to Canada.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident a “slap in the face” of people who follow COVID19 restrictions and protocols. Trudeau also added that he’s “extremely frustrated”.
