Increased security measures for Canadian airports

The Hon. Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and the
Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, announced there will be increased security at all Canadian
airports.

Individuals in the United Kingdom were allegedly
intent on committing acts of terrorism using explosives on flights
destined to North America.

"We have been in contact with the United States Homeland
Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff, and United Kingdom Home Office
Secretary, John Reid, to discuss the heightened security measures that
are being put in place,” said Minister Day. “Our officials are working
closely with officials in the United Kingdom, the United States, and
other allies to protect the safety and security of Canadians. We
commend the United Kingdom on disrupting this significant terrorist
threat."

"In light of these events in the United Kingdom, the
Government of Canada has implemented aviation security measures to help
ensure the ongoing security of the travelling public," said Minister
Cannon.

The following security measures are in place until further
notice: Effective immediately and for all flights to and from the
United Kingdom and the United States, liquids or gels in containers of
any size are not permitted to be brought onboard by passengers; this
includes liquids or gels in carry-on baggage.

For all flights, including Canadian domestic flights,
liquids or gels in containers of any size are not permitted to be
brought onboard by passengers; this includes liquids or gels in
carry-on baggage.

Liquids or gels in containers of any size include: all
beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and
other items of similar consistency.
Passengers may bring aboard baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a
baby or small child is travelling.

Prescription
medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket, insulin and
essential other non-prescription medicines are allowed.
Passengers should pack liquids or gels in checked baggage.
The Government of Canada advises all air travellers to keep these
measures in mind when preparing for a flight, and to contact their
carrier regarding any possible delays.

The Government Operations Centre says it is coordinating the
response of federal departments and agencies, and will be communicating
with provinces and territories as needed.

At the Canadian Aviation Security Conference held in Ottawa in March,
aviation experts, including Robert Milton, CEO of ACE Aviation
Holdings, called for tighter restrictions on carry-on luggage which
would speed flow of passengers. He said that while some countries, such
as Australlia, have already restricted carry-on luggage to one item, it
is considered a competitive issue and many airlines have been reluctant
to tighten their policy.