Government of Canada Enhances Passenger Convenience and Aviation Security

No. H011/11
For release - February 3, 2011
Photo(s)

OTTAWA — The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), today announced changes to airport screening that will increase convenience for the travelling public while maintaining a consistently high level of security.

"Our government takes aviation security seriously, and we are unwavering in our determination to keep Canadian travellers safe and secure from terrorism," Minister Strahl said. "We've listened to travellers and the aviation security community, and we believe these initiatives achieve the best balance of aviation safety and security, and passenger convenience."

The initiatives announced today are the result of the recently completed review of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), announced in spring 2010. They also reflect investments in aviation security arising from The Government of Canada Response to the Commission of Inquiry into the Investigation of the Bombing of Air India Flight 182 (the Air India Inquiry Action Plan).

"CATSA's screening will be smarter, and more efficient and effective by modernizing passenger and baggage screening," Minister Merrifield said. "Harmonizing our prohibited item list closely with international standards will improve the passenger screening experience."

As a result of the CATSA review, air travellers can now bring in their carry-on baggage small scissors and tools that are no longer than six centimetres (excluding the handle). Knives of any size or length remain prohibited.

New equipment and lane configurations will enhance the flow of passengers and bags at the security screening checkpoint. For example, CATSA will be installing equipment that will automatically separate suspicious bags from cleared bags, reducing congestion. In addition, CATSA is expanding the use of the Trusted Traveller CATSA Screening Line for pre-approved travellers who hold a valid NEXUS card.

There will also be new dedicated lanes for families and those with special needs with equipment specifically designed for bigger items like strollers. Both of these new lane configurations will facilitate travellers' convenience at the screening checkpoint.

In June 2010, the Government of Canada launched a full review of CATSA, the agency responsible for screening people and baggage at Canadian airports. This review, which followed the announcement of five-year funding for CATSA was undertaken to ensure that travellers are getting value for their money.

Please see the attached backgrounders for more information:

• Changes to the list of items prohibited on board aircraft
• Review of Canadian air transport security authority
• Aviation Security

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Backgrounder

Changes to the List of Items Prohibited on Board Aircraft

Transport Canada manages the list of items that airline passengers are permitted to carry through pre-board screening checkpoints at Canada's major airports.

Air travellers are now permitted to bring in their carry-on baggage small scissors and tools that are no longer than six centimetres (excluding the handle). Knives of any size or length remain prohibited.

Small scissors and tools pose a low threat to aircraft safety and security, particularly in light of recent developments in aircraft integrity such as reinforced cockpit doors, improved aircrew security training, the presence of in-flight security officers and programs like Passenger Protect.

The Government of Canada has directed the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), which is responsible for airport security screening, to focus on better and smarter screening, and on checking for higher-threat items such as explosives. Restrictions on the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels remain. In addition, toys that resemble real weapons will continue to be prohibited but those that are clearly toys will be permitted.

The changes to Canada's prohibited items list improve aviation security and make the passenger screening process more effective, efficient and convenient for travellers.

These changes correspond to the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO's) recommendation to permit small scissors and tools. The updated list is also harmonized with the lists of many of Canada's international partners, including the United States and the European Union, which made similar changes years ago. While the list of prohibited items is incorporated into the regulation, the Minister of Transport can amend the list when necessary for security reasons, if required by another country or to harmonize with the ICAO list.

Transport Canada remains committed to harmonizing the prohibited items list with international partners while achieving a level of security that is appropriate for passengers travelling from or between Canadian destinations. The department will continue to strengthen the aviation security program in a way that balances security, efficiency and Canadian values.

The complete list of non-permitted items on board aircraft is available on the Transport Canada website.

February 2011

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Backgrounder

Review of Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

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.

CATSA was created through the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Act of 2002, following the events of September 11, 2001. This Crown corporation is responsible for the pre-board screening of passengers and their belongings; baggage screening through the use of airport explosives detection systems; and screening and biometric identification of non-passengers entering airport restricted areas. CATSA shares responsibility for civil aviation security with several federal departments and agencies, including Transport Canada, as well as air carriers and airport operators. Transport Canada is the regulator for aviation security under the Aeronautics Act.

As part of good business practices, the Government of Canada conducts periodic reviews of programs and departments to ensure that they provide best value for Canadians. In accordance with section 33 of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Act, the Minister of Transport was required to complete a review of the provisions and operation of the Act during the fifth year after it came into effect (2006). The aim of that review was to ensure that the legislation provided a sound and adequate statutory basis for CATSA's mandate. The 2010 review builds on the insights of the 2006 review. After nearly a decade of service, the federal government wanted to examine how efficiently and effectively CATSA operates.

Specific elements of the current CATSA review included:

• identifying opportunities to improve the flow of passengers and bags at Canada's designated airports while recognizing security objectives;
• inviting input on the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders under the current national screening delivery model;
• encouraging suggestions or comments on areas of possible improvements relating to not only CATSA's operations, but also Canada's aviation security system; and
• providing suggestions or comments on future directions for aviation security.

The key findings of the review are as follows.

• Keep and enhance the current governance model: It is the most nationally consistent approach, offers economies of scale and includes stakeholders on CATSA's board of directors.
• Introduce a smarter passenger screening process: CATSA should continue to increase the number of passengers screened per hour, offer more consistent service across service locations and have fewer irritants for passengers
• Continue to harmonize screening regulations with those of the international community: Transport Canada should continue its work to harmonize screening regulations with those of its international partners and to optimize its layered approach to screening.
• Increase operational and management efficiencies in screening contracts: CATSA should continue to strengthen performance requirements in screening contracts, to reduce the overall number of contracts and to improve line management at airports.
• Promote continuous modernization: Aviation security is constantly evolving. CATSA should redesign, where possible, screening points to promote the efficient and effective screening and movement of passengers.

The review included roundtables between Minister Merrifield and national associations representing air carriers, airport operators and other key aviation stakeholders. In addition, a dedicated website was set up for stakeholder and public input. The website received approximately 200 comments from members of the public and industry workers. Independent experts were hired to examine CATSA governance, conduct a screening process engineering study and review regulations. Finally, past reports and audits were reviewed.

February 2011

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Backgrounder

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