Keeping Canadians Safe

August 21, 2021

Week of August 21 – August 25, 2021

    On August 10, 2006, the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities announced increased security at all Canadian airports following a major counter-terrorism operation in the United Kingdom. The operation concluded with 24 suspects arrested in an alleged terrorist plot which included the use of explosives on flights destined to North America. Canada’s new Government has once again, quickly responded to the threat with heightened security measures to protect Canadians.

    Following these recent events, the Conservative Government quickly increased security in our Canadian airports by implementing several security measures. The first measure, effective immediately, is that all liquids and gels in containers of any kind are banned from all carry-on luggage and cannot be carried on by aircraft passengers. 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 will be permitted to bring baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is traveling. Prescription medication with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket, insulin, and essential other non-prescription medications will also be allowed.

    The Government Operations Centre is also coordinating the response of federal departments and agencies and will be communicating with provinces and territories daily, as needed. The Government is also working closely with security agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom (U.K.), and with other countries to implement heightened security measures.

    The Government’s latest actions for increased security build on other steps taken by it to fight terrorism and to protect Canadians including: allocating $101 million to provide side arms and training for our border officers, investing $303 million for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, and committing $95 million for new measures to strengthen passenger rail and urban transit security. Our new Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Canadians.