Anyone who has ever travelled around Canada knows that a flight across the world’s second largest country is not going to come cheap – but the Canadian government is hoping to change that.

Quebec city skyline in winter. Image by ©Nino H. Photography/Getty Images

The transport ministry has announced new plans to support “greater choice, better service, lower costs, and new rights for travellers”. Those efforts will include allowing greater international ownership of Canadian airlines, and working with the country’s airport security to make security checks faster, while maintaining safety.

Overlook of Moraine Lake and Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Image by Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon/Getty Images

Marc Garneau, the country’s transport minister and a retired astronaut, travelled more than 18,000 kilometres around Canada to learn about the country’s transportation needs, according to statement. He said there were two "recurring themes in our discussions with travellers. The first is a sense of frustration at the cost of air travel within Canada – and the litany of fees and charges. And the second is confusion regarding a traveller’s rights and the extent to which consumers are protected when problems arise”.

Toronto. Image by Damion Rae Photography