Uncle Sam is Watching

March 28th, 2011  |  Comments

Flying from Canada to the Caribbean? The United States Department of Homeland Security may now know about it, even if you’re not stopping in the USA. The Canadian Government recently amended the Aeronautics Act with Bill C-42 (link)  to further permit airlines to provide passenger information for International flights that not only land in, but also overfly the United States.

Canadian airlines were concerned (link) that as a result of proposed new Regulations associated with the Secure Flight Program in the United States, they would not be able to comply with Canadian privacy laws.

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May I See Some I.D.?

March 11th, 2011  |  Comments

The Minister of Transport recently announced two new aviation security measures intended to address an immediate threat to aviation security.  The Passenger Identification and Behaviour Observation Interim Order came into effect on January 26, 2011. 

Passengers are not to be admitted to a sterile area beyond a screening checkpoint unless they have undergone identity screening.  In the same interim order, the Minister has implemented a pilot project at YVR where the behaviour of  passengers is monitored. 

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Airport Security Update: TSA Takes Over Watch Lists and More Body Scan Controversy

November 18th, 2010  |  Comments

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The next phase of the United States Transportation Security Administration’s Secure Flight Program has begun for all tickets purchased after September 15, 2010 and for all flights departing after November 1, 2010 for domestic US flights or flights to/from the US.  Along with the usual information required by airlines, passengers are now required to provide their birth dates and genders when making flight reservations. 

Meanwhile, the controversy over full body scanners his been re-ignited by pilots’ unions, a lawsuit and a YouTube video.

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Airspace Restrictions Announced For Esquimalt Harbour, BC

August 12th, 2010  |  Comments

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard have reportedly boarded the cargo ship MV Sun Sea this afternoon just off the coast of Port Alberni (on the north coast of Vancouver Island).  The ship, allegedly operated by a Tamil terrorist group, is reportedly transporting 490 individuals who are claiming refugee status. 

Transport Canada announced airspace restrictions today that will be in effect while the MV Sun Sea vessel travels in Canadian waters.   The restrictions will be in effect during the vessel’s passage to Esquimalt, as well as while it is in the port at Esquimalt.  Transport Canada will restrict air traffic immediately above Esquimalt Harbour up to 2,000 feet. It is expected that this restriction will be in effect for 72 hours.  Pilots have been notified by NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).   See copy of NOTAM below.

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Transport Canada Proposes Regulatory Changes to Enhance Security at Airports

April 15th, 2010  |  Comments

Recent concerns over aviation security have led Transport Canada to propose regulatory changes aimed at enhancing security at airports.  A Notice of Intent published on March 27, 2010, outlines new regulatory requirements that will apply to Canada’s major airports and their “key tenants”. 

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Canada Removes Restrictions for Carry On Baggage and Introduces Behaviour Observation Program

April 12th, 2010  |  Comments

Here is some happy news for anyone planning to travel to the United States. Last week, Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird announced that, effective April 8, 2010, airline passengers traveling to the United States from Canada will be permitted to bring two carry-on bags and one personal item along for their travels.

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Affected Operators Seek Compensation for Olympic Flight Restrictions

February 9th, 2010  |  Comments

As Vancouver prepares to welcome the world for the 2010 Winter Olympics, flight schools and regional carriers operating in the Vancouver area are bracing for the potentially devastating effects of the Olympic flight restrictions.  The restrictions are aimed at enhancing security, and will be in effect for an eight-week period from January 29, 2010 to March 24, 2010 (beginning two weeks before the Olympics and ending three days after the close of the Paralympic Games). 

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One Carry-On Bag Now Allowed when Travelling to the United States

January 19th, 2010  |  Comments

The recently implemented carry-on luggage restrictions for passengers travelling from Canada to the United States were changed today by Transport Canada.  As of January 20, 2010, passengers travelling to the United States are permitted to bring one carry-on bag.  All items brought on the aircraft such as reading material, personal electronics and medications must be stored in the passenger’s single carry-on bag.  For the Transport Canada announcement, click here.  For information regarding permitted and non-permitted items, click here for the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority website.