[Reporter] WestJet is adding some tough new measures to
federally-mandated mask rules.
Transport Canada requires masks for everyone over the age of two on a flight
unless they have a doctor's note.
Now, in an exclusive interview with CBC News
WestJet's president and CEO, Ed Sims
says anyone who doesn't comply
will be given two warnings.
Then...
If the plane has not left the gate
and somebody refused to wear a mask
we will return to the gate.
[Reporter] In extreme circumstances, a plane 
already in the air could turn around.
Some U.S. airlines have been kicking people off planes for refusing to wear masks on board.
In addition to being prepared to do the
same, WestJet says
it will ban non-compliant passengers
from flying on the airline for a year.
I have an obligation and a duty of care to our staff.
I also have an obligation to every other guest.
So my focus is on the 99 per cent of guests
who continue to wear masks.
[Reporter] Air Canada also has its own graded approach for those who refuse to wear a mask.
Up to and including a ban on its flights.
This infectious disease specialist agrees that 
the lack of physical distancing on planes
make tough rules essential.
We need to bring in those other layers
of protection such as wearing a mask
to avoid droplets spreading to 
the people not only near you
but perhaps circulating in the air and even 
getting to distal rows on the plane.
[Reporter] Beginning next week, WestJet will also 
require passengers to give contact information
so they can be traced if there's a
positive case on their flight.
The airline is also devising a pilot project with the Vancouver Airport and researchers
to test passengers on certain flights 
for the coronavirus.
In the hope the research can aid public health authorities.
Carolyn Dunn, CBC News, Calgary.
