MINISTERS STRAHL AND TOEWS ANNOUNCE NEW MEASURES TO BOLSTER THE SAFETY AND
SECURITY OF AIR TRAVEL

OTTAWA, Nov. 8 /CNW/ - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, today announced new aviation security measures to further enhance the safety and security of Canada's aviation system.

Effective Monday, November 8, 2010, at 12 p.m.:

• Passengers are not permitted to transport printer toner cartridges in checked bags on any flights departing from Canadian airports if those cartridges weigh 454 grams (16 ounces) or more. These large, office-size toner cartridges are between 20 centimetres and 30 centimetres in length (8 to 12 inches respectively, or approximately the size of a loaf of bread). Smaller toner cartridges, such as those typically used in home printers, are still permitted.
  
  
• Passengers on outbound flights from Canada to the United States are not permitted to travel with cartridges in carry-on bags.
  
  
• Air carriers are not permitted to transport large printer cartridges in cargo carried on passenger flights departing from airports in Canada.
  
  
• All cargo and mail from or transiting through Yemen or Somalia are also banned from entering Canada.

These measures are being put in place as a result of two packages found in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates on October 29, 2010. They reflect discussions with domestic and international partners and respond to new requirements announced by the United States today.

"Our government's highest priority is the continued safety and security of Canadians and the travelling public," said Minister Strahl. "While there was and is no current information that these incidents were targeting Canada, we will continue to monitor the international security environment closely and take further action as appropriate to protect air travellers."

"We continue to work together with the Obama Administration and our international allies to combat threats to the safety of Canadians. This government's chief concern is to protect our national security and the safety of our citizens," said Minister Toews. "Canada is not immune from terrorist threats. Our law enforcement and security agencies remain vigilant and always work closely with their counterparts in the United States to protect our shared border. We face the same threats and share the same concerns."

Travellers are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities.

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Backgrounder Information

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CANADIAN AVIATION SECURITY MEASURES OF NOVEMBER 8, 2010, TO RESPOND TO PRINTER CARTRIDGES INCIDENT

On October 29, 2010, two suspicious packages originating in Yemen were found in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

On the same day, Canada put in place a number of security measures to respond to this incident. There was and is no current information that these incidents were targeting Canada. However, as a result of these incidents, Canada implemented increased vigilance. Travellers were advised that they might see signs of this increased vigilance during their travels. The balance between the highest level of security and passenger comfort is always taken into consideration.

On November 1, 2010, Canada issued an Interim Order that banned all cargo originating from or transiting through Yemen. This precaution was necessary to ensure the security of Canada's skies. The order will be in place for as long as it takes to ensure the security of Canadians and air cargo to Canada. There are no direct passenger or air cargo flights from Yemen to Canada. See the PDF below for the November 1 order:

http://files.newswire.ca/120/Interim_Order_Eng.pdf

Also on November 1, Canada Post stopped accepting mail from Yemen. See the Web link below:

www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/aboutus/news/announcements/yemen.jsf

Interim Orders effective November 8, 2010, on aviation and air cargo security

On November 8, 2010, an Interim Order was put in place banning all cargo and mail originating from or transiting via Yemen or Somalia. This order is based on consultations with internal and international security partners, and reflects additional measures taken by key partners, including the U.S. and U.K. See the PDF below for the November 8 order:

http://files.newswire.ca/120/Interim_Order2_Eng.pdf

Also on November 8, Canada announced a ban on printer toner cartridges over 454 grams (16 oz) on all carry-on and checked baggage bound for the US. Similar cartridges were among the suspicious packages found in the U.K. and U.A.E. on October 29, 2010.

Other additional security measures were put in place to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. However, details cannot be provided for security reasons.

Interim Orders — General

Interim Orders are made pursuant to the Aeronautics Act and come into effect immediately when signed by the Minister of Transport. They are valid for 14 days unless approved by the Governor in Council. If approved by Governor in Council, an Interim Order is in effect for one year.

All Interim Orders must be published in the Canada Gazette within 23 days of being signed by the Minister.

Interim Orders — Enforcement

• Transport Canada may issue fines for contraventions of regulated security requirements under the Aeronautics Act.
• Individuals may be subject to fine up to a maximum of $5,000 and corporations up to a maximum of $25,000.
• Transport Canada uses a graduated enforcement approach. All enforcement decisions are based on the facts and merits of each case. The department looks at both mitigating and aggravating factors in determining the appropriate fine amount. Such factors include whether this is a repeat offence, whether there was intent to contravene the Interim Order and the seriousness of the contravention. 

For further information:

John Babcock Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Ottawa    613-991-0700

Media Relations Transport Canada, Ottawa 613-993-0055