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4. Actions Taken by Transport Canada Following the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks

ACTIONS TAKEN BY TRANSPORT CANADA FOLLOWING THE SEPTEMBER 11 2001 TERRORIST ATTACKS

The following is a chronology of events and major related announcements following the closure of airspace on September 11, 2001, in response to the terrorist attacks in the United States:

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Immediately following the tragic events in the United States (U.S.), then-Transport Minister David Collenette declared that no commercial or private aircraft were allowed to depart Canadian airports until further notice. The only exceptions were military, police and humanitarian flights.

The Canadian aviation system immediately began preparations to accept flights previously destined for the United States that could no longer land in that country. At the time of the terrorist incidents, approximately 500 aircraft were en route to North American airports. More than half these aircraft returned to their points of departure; the remaining 226 continued on to various destinations across Canada.

Security measures were also immediately taken at airports across the country, including evacuation of some areas and deployment of police or security at key access points.

Wednesday, September 12, 2001

The Minister announced the lifting of restrictions on domestic air travel within Canadian airspace, and also announced that Canadian airports would operate under heightened security measures. Diverted flights were then released for travel to their original destinations; however flights to the U.S. still required clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration.

New security enhancements announced included increased police presence at major airports, increased passenger screening and additional security procedures, including more hand searches of baggage.

Thursday, September 13, 2001

The Minister announced that restrictions on international, trans-border and private flights had been lifted. Passenger flights to the U.S. not previously released were also allowed to resume, although many airports in the United States remained closed to trans-border traffic.

Friday, September 14, 2001

The Minister removed restrictions imposed on cargo flights - the last of the flight restrictions imposed in Canadian airspace on September 11, 2001.

The Minister emphasized that the return to normal flight operations in Canada continued to be a gradual process. This was especially true for trans-border flights into the United States, where certain airports remained closed.

Sunday, September 16, 2001

The last of the 226 flights diverted to Canadian airports was cleared to leave for its final destination.

Monday, September 17, 2001

The Minister announced that cockpit doors on all Canadian airline passenger flights, domestic and international, must be locked for the full duration of flights.

Saturday, September 22, 2001

The Minister announced that the Government of Canada would provide a 90-day indemnity for third-party war and terrorism liabilities for essential aviation service operators in Canada to help ensure aviation services can be maintained uninterrupted. This action was taken in response to the decision by international insurers to no longer provide the required levels of war risk liability insurance previously in place.

Tuesday, September 25, 2001

The Minister announced that Transport Canada is purchasing a quantity of new, advanced explosives detection systems for use at Canadian airports. These new systems will supplement explosives detection equipment already in use at Canadian airports.

Tuesday, October 2, 2001

The Government of Canada announced up to $160 million in compensation for Canadian air carriers and specialty air operators for net losses resulting from the closure of Canada's airspace following the terrorist attacks.

Thursday, October 11, 2001

The Government of Canada announced $79 million for a wide range of new measures to enhance the security of operations at Canada's airports including $55.7 million for the purchase of advanced explosives detection systems, $3 million to deploy airport security inspectors across Canada and $750,000 for an analysis of advanced and evolving security practices and technologies.

Friday, October 12, 2001

The Government of Canada announced that it will help facilitate Air Canada's access to Reagan National Airport in Washington and that armed RCMP officers will be available for Air Canada flights to this airport.

Thursday, November 22, 2001

The Government of Canada introduced new legislation, known as the Public Safety Act, Bill C-42, to strengthen the Government's ability to improve the safety of Canadians, to prevent terrorist attacks and to respond quickly if significant threats should arise. This Bill includes amendments to the Aeronautics Act that clarify and update existing aviation security authorities; strengthen other security authorities; address the issue of passenger data that may be required at home and abroad; and make it an offence to engage in any behaviour that endangers the safety of passengers or crew by interfering with crew members or those following their instructions (commonly referred to as "air rage").

Wednesday, November 28, 2001

The Government of Canada introduced Bill C-44, created by removing a small section from Bill C-42, to give air carriers the ability to provide limited advanced data on passengers to the United States as required by U.S. law, strictly for purposes of security.

Thursday, December 6, 2001

The Minister announced that, effective December 22, 2001, the Government of Canada will provide a 45-day extension of indemnity for third-party war and terrorism liabilities for essential aviation service operators in Canada to help ensure aviation services can be maintained uninterrupted.

Tuesday, December 11, 2001

The Minister announced details of the new air security measures announced in the December 2001 budget. This includes the creation of a new Canadian Air Transport Security Authority; funding of up to $128 million per year for pre-board screening; funding of over $1 billion over the next five years for the purchase and deployment of new explosives detection systems; a national program of armed police on aircraft; funding of up to $35 million to assist with modifications to existing aircraft, one-time payments totalling a maximum of $10 million to implement immediate improvements to airport screening practices; and one-time payments totalling a maximum of $20 million for enhanced policing and security following the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

 

 

Date modified:

2011-08-09

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