Public Safety Minister Toews and Transport Minister Strahl comment following discovery

The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Canada's Transport Minister, made the following statement following the discovery of potential suspicious packages aboard two planes in transit to the United States. This afternoon, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that two Canadian CF-18's successfully escorted an aircraft of interest over Canadian airspace to the United States border. The civilian aircraft was passed to two US F-15's as it was transited to its ultimate destination at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City.

"This afternoon I spoke with US Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute regarding today's aviation threat incident. Our law enforcement and security agencies are committed to working with their US counterparts to secure our shared border and protect the safety of our citizens," said Minister Toews. "As the Prime Minister has consistently stated, security threats to the United States are security threats to Canada. The Canadian government remains fully engaged with the Obama Administration on efforts to combat terrorist threats. We face the same threats and share the same concerns."

Minister Strahl said as a result of these incidents Canada has implemented increased vigilance, which Canadians may see during their travels.

"The safety and security of all Canadians is a top priority for our government," Minister Strahl said. "That's why we've taken immediate action and are currently working with our counterparts both in Canada and internationally to implement all necessary safety and security measures as appropriate to protect Canadian travellers."

Canada and the United States will continue to cooperate while full details of this incident emerge.