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Aviation Security

Following the attempted attack on the Northwest Airlines flight to Detroit on Christmas Day 2009, the Government of Canada has taken many concrete steps to enhance its aviation security system.

Full-Body Scanners

Full-body screening technology has now been in operation at major Canadian airports for one year. Currently, 42 full-body scanners are in use at Canadian airports. These include Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Hamilton, Kelowna, London, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Regina, Saskatoon, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Victoria and Winnipeg. Passengers selected for a secondary search can always choose between the full-body scanner, if available, and a physical search.

Passenger Identity Screening

In August 2010, Transport Canada more clearly defined requirements under the Identity Screening Regulations to clarify that air carriers must match photo documentation presented to passengers' physical appearance.

CATSA Review

In June 2010, the Government of Canada launched a full review of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), the agency responsible for screening people and baggage at Canadian airports. This review, which followed the increase in the Air Travellers' Security Charge, was undertaken to ensure that travellers are getting value for their money.

Air Cargo Security Program

In May 2010, the Government of Canada announced a robust plan to ensure that air cargo shipments are protected from the threat of terrorism and to help exporters move cargo securely and efficiently. The enhanced Air Cargo Security Program is a $95.7-million investment over five years, to be phased in and fully implemented by 2015. As recently as October 2010, an air cargo plot prompted Canada to implement restrictions on the transportation of printer/toner cartridges over 500 grams (17.6 oz) using an Interim Order. This interim order is still in effect until further notice and can be found here: www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2011/2011-01-08/html/notice-avis-eng.html#d106.

Prohibited Items List

Changes to Canada's prohibited items list improve aviation security and make the passenger screening process more effective, efficient and convenient for travellers. Air travellers are now permitted small scissors and tools that are no longer than six centimetres (excluding the handle) in their carry-on baggage. Knives of any size or length remain prohibited, and this applies equally to all passengers, regardless of a person's culture or religion. These changes correspond to the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO's) recommendation to permit small scissors and tools.

Airport Security Plans

Transport Canada consulted stakeholders in March 2010 through a Notice of Intent to put airport security programs in place that will require airport operators to:

• assess their current security measures;
• clarify and document their responsibilities; and
• develop and clearly outline their security needs and the best ways to reduce real security risks.

Canada has developed and maintained one of the most secure aviation systems in the world — one that fully engages its national and international aviation security partners and is innovative, multi-layered, flexible and responsive to current issues. Despite the extensive enhancements, ongoing attempts to attack civil aviation require that the Government of Canada continue to assess and enhance aviation security to meet emerging threats to continue to protect the security of travellers in Canada.

February 2011

Date modified:

2011-07-27

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