No. H117/06
For release - September 27, 2006
OTTAWA — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today issued the following statement concerning the alleged security shortcomings reported in recent weeks at the Montréal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Quebec:
"Let me first state that Canada's aviation security system is one of the best in the world, and I remain confident in the integrity of this system. As Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, I take matters related to the security of Canada's transportation system very seriously.
"For that reason on September 11, 2006, I asked my officials to launch an investigation into the alleged security shortcomings at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, and follow up with Aéroports de Montréal as well as with the companies named in the various allegations. This investigation is ongoing.
"I have also asked Gen. Maurice Baril, Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), and Jacques Duchesneau, President and Chief Executive Officer of CATSA, to meet with me shortly to discuss the allegations that have surfaced in recent weeks.
"There are a number of organizations responsible for various aspects of security at airports, including CATSA, airport authorities, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canada Border Services Agency and local police forces. Transport Canada continues to regulate and monitor the provision of aviation security services and I can assure you that there is co-operation between these bodies.
"Transport Canada also works with the RCMP and Canadian Security Intelligence Service to assess the suitability of applicants for employment in restricted areas at airports, using a rigorous program of background checks. We are prepared to suspend or revoke the security clearance of any individual who poses a threat to transportation security, and we work with our partner departments to ensure the ongoing reliability of airport workers.
"The most recent allegations related to restricted area passes will also be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. The department is always exploring methods to continuously improve all aspects of aviation security, including access to restricted areas in airports.
"This is why Transport Canada and CATSA are deploying a new Restricted Area Identification Card, incorporating leading-edge biometric technology, which will include fingerprints and iris scans to enhance the existing pass system. This new card with biometric identifiers is scheduled to be deployed at Canada's 29 major airports by December 31, 2006.
"In conclusion, let me state again that Canada has one of the best aviation security systems in the world, and we continue to strive to improve this system on an ongoing basis. Should the findings of our investigation identify any breach of security regulations, we will take immediate enforcement action."
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Contacts:
Natalie SarafianPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Transport,Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa613-991-0700
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