The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday. May 2, edition that Ottawa plans to increase the maximum fine for airlines that repeatedly violate passengers' rights from $250,000 to $1-million. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon says while fines are a last resort, the current system is ineffective. The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) is dealing with a backlog of over 97,000 complaints. Mr. MacKinnon says: "The system is broken. Decisions by the [CTA] can take years. This is not acceptable. Canadians deserve better." When asked what circumstances would cause the CTA to levy a $1-million fine, Mr. MacKinnon deferred to the agency, which has not yet responded to inquiries from CP. The CTA imposed $1.4-million in fines last year on airlines for violating passenger protection regulations. Last month, three more fines totalling $87,400 were issued mainly for failing to provide clear information on passenger treatment and compensation under the rules. Last week the Liberals said they plan to import a model used in the United Kingdom and Europe that sees independent adjudicators resolve complaints on issues ranging from refunds to accessibility.