British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix says he wants to see the evidence that it’s safe for the country’s two largest airlines to drop their in-flight distancing policies during the pandemic. Dix says he would like to hear from federal agencies to allay fears or explain why they’ve allowed Air Canada and WestJet to end the seat-distancing policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The airlines announced Friday that they would use health recommendations from the United Nation’s aviation agency and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Dix, who also wants to discuss the policy change with his provincial counterparts, says there can’t just be a business argument for the change.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the airline in-flight distancing policy does not fall under her jurisdiction, but she assumes there is evidence to support the move.

Transport Canada says in a statement it issued guidance to the aviation industry, including recommendations for passenger spacing aboard planes, but it is not mandatory.