New measures will beef up security, Customs screening

The Government of Canada is adopting a wide range of new security measures at Canada’s airports. The initiatives will provide more than $79 million for new equipment and supporting activities at Canadian airports.

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and Transport Canada will also see $12 million allocated annually to meet staffing requirements related to public security and anti-terrorism programs.

Transport Minister David Collenette, National Revenue Minister Martin Cauchon and Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay announced details of the package at events in Montreal and Toronto.

Specifically, the government has allocated $55.7 million for the purchase of advanced explosives detection systems (EDS), and related state-of-the-art electronic security capabilities, for deployment at Canadian airports, and more than three million to deploy airport security inspectors across Canada and to strengthen regulatory capacity for responding to new and emerging security threats.

This also includes funding for additional training programs for cargo and baggage handlers, and airline/airport staff, to support the implementation of new technologies. Some $750,000 will go towards analysis of advanced and evolving security practices and technologies for airport security operations.

Six million will be spent for leading-edge technology and information systems to better connect front-line officers to Customs data banks and those of other law-enforcement agencies, both foreign and domestic, six million for technology such as x-ray machines to facilitate better screening of goods. As well, nine million will be spent on additional customs officers, mainly at seaports and airports,