Air travellers to pay for security equipment with fee hikes

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Air travellers will pay higher fees to cover the costs of new security measures and technology, the federal government announced Thursday.
Transport Minister John Baird said the government will put up $1.5 billion over the next five years to tighten security.
To cover the costs, fees for travellers will rise by $2.50 for a one-way flight in Canada, by $4.37 for transborder flights and by $8.91 for international routes.

John Baird points to a member of the media during his announcement at the Ottawa Airport on Thursday. (Pawel Dwulit/Canadian Press)

"The cost should be borne by those who use these services, not all taxpayers," said Baird.
The $1.5 billion allotted by the minister will go to improve old technologies, body scanners, security staff, explosive detection and passenger observation throughout Canada's 89 airports. Security will also be improved in other areas of airports such as the tracking and the screening of airport staff.

Baird also announced a full review into the spending and effectiveness of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. He assured full transparency and accountability for all monies spent in the safety overhaul.

An annual report to the transport committee on the spending of the $1.5 billion will be submitted by CATSA in an effort to ensure the effectiveness and structure of the Crown corporation.

'Full transparency and accountability'

"I understand that new charges are not welcome, but they are necessary to keep travellers safe," said Baird.
The new measures were prompted by the Christmas Day attempts by a Nigerian man to blow up a Detroit-bound flight.
"We need to respond to the American measures that have been put into place," said Baird.

The changes are to go into effect April 1, provided the increase is approved by Parliament

CBC

[just curious]

The $1.5 billion allotted by the minister will go to improve old technologies, body scanners, security staff

Well, this morning I would cheerfully have paid $2.50 to have smartened up one of the supervisors in YEG. Rest of the staff were doing a great job of processing a zillion pax at 0730. This guy (single red stripe, maybe 22) should have been wearing a red nose and big floppy shoes.

[Driving Rain]

Beaverbobs 89 year old uncle had a great idea. Maybe we could pass the extra cost on to our health care bill and kill two birds with one stone.


cartoon drawn by our own beaverbob's 89 year old uncle.

[Mig29]

That's a great idea actually!!!! hahaah
But then the screeners would have to be paid more then 15 buck an hour, but hey...so what!

[rigpiggy]

That is more than most F/O's in the industry