OTTAWA - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, today announced new aviation security measures to further enhance the safety and security of Canada's aviation system.

• Passengers are not permitted to transport printer toner cartridges in checked bags on any flights departing from Canadian airports if those cartridges weigh 454 grams (16 ounces) or more. These large, office-size toner cartridges are between 20 centimetres and 30 centimetres in length (8 to 12 inches respectively, or approximately the size of a loaf of bread). Smaller toner cartridges, such as those typically used in home printers, are still permitted.
• Passengers on outbound flights from Canada to the United States are not permitted to travel with cartridges in carry-on bags.
• Air carriers are not permitted to transport large printer cartridges in cargo carried on passenger flights departing from airports in Canada.
• All cargo and mail from or transiting through Yemen or Somalia are also banned from entering Canada.

"Our government's highest priority is the continued safety and security of Canadians and the travelling public," said Minister Strahl. "While there was and is no current information that these incidents were targeting Canada, we will continue to monitor the international security environment closely and take further action as appropriate to protect air travellers."

"We continue to work together with the Obama Administration and our international allies to combat threats to the safety of Canadians. This government's chief concern is to protect our national security and the safety of our citizens," said Minister Toews. "Canada is not immune from terrorist threats. Our law enforcement and security agencies remain vigilant and always work closely with their counterparts in the United States to protect our shared border. We face the same threats and share the same concerns."

Travellers are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities.

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