The spike this year was caused by a massive campaign by the Canadian Transportation Agency, as I understand it, to draw attention to itself. However, unfortunately that massive campaign was not coupled with actual structural changes. Passengers are still being sent away without their complaints being resolved.
Just last year it happened that when CBC got on the story that a passenger was being sent away, then all of a sudden people from the agency were very apologetic. It got solved very quickly. However, I don't think Canadian passengers should be walking with a lawyer on their left and a journalist on their right to ensure their rights are respected.