Minister Merrifield represents Canada at international conference on civil aviation security

High-level officials from Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United States of America and Vietnam attended, as well as the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

"Our government remains vigilant against the threat of terrorism and unwavering in its determination to keep Canadians and those who use our airways safe and secure," said Minister Merrifield. "This can only be achieved through continued support for enhancements to global aviation security, international collaboration, information sharing, research and development."

Civil aviation is an integral part of Canada's economy. A large number of Canadian companies rely on aviation for the safe and secure trades with the rest of the world and approximately 50 million people travel by air in Canada each year. In light of terrorist incidents aimed at aviation, security threats pose a common risk to aviation activity for all international partners.

Key aspects of the discussions included:

• broadening existing cooperation mechanisms among countries for early detection of security threats to passenger security and the industry's well-being;
• sharing best practices and information in areas such as screening and inspection techniques, chemical and weapon detection, airport security, screening and credentials of airport employees; and
• using modern technologies to detect prohibited materials while respecting the privacy and civil liberties of individuals.

"All governments can learn from the failed terrorist attack of December 25, 2009," added Minister Merrifield. "Our government announced in its recent budget significant investments to continue to maintain secure air travel."