Canada streamlines airport security regulations

Canada is trying to improve security in its airports with new rules to ensure that travelers are properly checked before they board airplanes. Denis Lebel, Canada's minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, said on Wednesday that most of the new security measures will be invisible to passengers and will not delay travel. "While current aviation security regulations are robust, our government is committed to improving them, making them as clear, user-friendly and efficient as possible while maintaining a high level of security," Lebel said. "These initial changes further align our regulations to meet International Civil Aviation Organization commitments and reflect extensive consultation with industry stakeholders." Canada's government has recently issued confidential security rules to airports. The rules, now codified as official regulations under Canadian law, deal with the security clearance of trades workers, armed guards in waiting areas, the presence of explosive-detecting devices, and designated spaces for pre-screened and screened passengers. They even cover the availability of round-bladed plastic knives and dull forks in airport restaurants. The Canadian Aviation Security Regulations take a phased-in approach, beginning with the introduction of aviation security programs at airports. The new measures require airport security staff and employees to be given clear policy direction. Each airport is now required to have an airport security awareness program, an airport security committee, defined security roles and responsibilities for employees, and management of sensitive aviation security information. "Canadian airports play a key role in aviation security," said Daniel-Robert Gooch, president of the Canadian Airports Council. "Aviation security programs need to move away from a one-size fits all approach, adopt a risk-based approach to security, formalize the management of security, and set out clear roles and responsibilities among aviation security partners at an airport." The new rules, which ensure that Canada complies with international obligations and standards, are part of an ongoing government review of Canada's aviation security regulations. The review is expected to include aviation security programs for other industry sectors, including air carriers, by 2015.