Minister of State Merrifield meets with international partners to discuss civil aviation security

MEXICO CITY — The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), met today with international partners to address the challenges, threats and opportunities in civil aviation security.

Officials from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama and the United States attended, as well as representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

“Canada is committed to working with its international partners to ensure that air travellers are safe and secure,” said Minister Merrifield. “Information sharing, research and development and international collaboration are essential to maintaining that security.”

In light of terrorist incidents aimed at aviation, security threats pose a common risk to aviation activity for all international partners. Civil aviation, which includes moving passengers and cargo across the globe, is an integral part of each country’s economy. Key aspects of the discussions included:

sharing best practices in areas such as document security and fraud detection, screening and inspection techniques, behavioural detection, and screening and credentials of airport employees;
developing strategies to address threats and risks in the field of civil aviation security; and
broadening existing cooperation mechanisms among countries for early detection of security threats to passenger security and the industry’s well-being.
“The world must learn from the failed terrorist attack of December 25th,” added Merrifield. “Our government is continuing its support for enhancements to global aviation security through international cooperation and $1.5 million in contributions to the International Civil Aviation Organization.”

A joint statement by officials from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama and the United States, as well as representatives from ICAO, can be found here http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/backgrounders-5835.htm.