In response to rising concerns, Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand announced that her ministry will be enhancing security measures for Canadians travelling to India “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Transport Canada has implemented temporary additional security screening measures,” Anand elaborated in a news statement released on Monday evening, aiming to prioritize passenger safety amid escalating tensions.
Passengers “may experience some screening delays while these measures are in place,” she cautioned, indicating that travelers should plan accordingly as the heightened protocols roll out.
A government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to CBC News, confirmed that the additional security protocols will be executed by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). CATSA is tasked with ensuring that passengers and their baggage are thoroughly screened prior to gaining access to restricted areas of Canadian airports.
Among the upgraded screening protocols being introduced by CATSA are advanced hand swabs utilized when detecting traces of substances is necessary, routine sending of carry-on bags through state-of-the-art X-ray machines, and stringent physical screenings of passengers to guarantee safety standards are met.
Last month, an Air India flight en route from New Delhi to Chicago was diverted to Iqaluit due to a bomb scare, though ultimately no bomb was discovered on board, highlighting the ongoing threats in aviation security.
The statement from Anand’s office did not establish any direct link to recent incidents but underscored the government’s commitment to addressing security risks.
This announcement comes on the heels of significant revelations from the RCMP, who claimed that agents of the Indian government were involved in a range of serious offenses in Canada, including murder, extortion, and intimidation of community members.
Canada took decisive diplomatic action in October by expelling six Indian diplomats, coinciding with remarks from RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme about “well over a dozen” credible and imminent threats targeting individuals within the South Asian community, specifically those aligned with the pro-Khalistan movement.
In response to these claims, the Indian government vehemently denied the accusations and retaliated swiftly by ordering six Canadian diplomats to exit India, escalating the diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
How can travelers best prepare for the changes in security protocols?
**Interview with Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand on Enhanced Security Measures for Canadians Traveling to India**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Anand. In light of the recent announcement regarding enhanced security measures for travelers heading to India, can you explain what prompted this decision?
**Minister Anand:** Thank you for having me. The decision to implement additional security measures comes in response to rising concerns over passenger safety amid escalating tensions. Our priority is always the safety of Canadians, and we felt that these precautionary steps were necessary to ensure a secure travel environment for those heading to India.
**Editor:** What specific changes can travelers expect in terms of security screening?
**Minister Anand:** We have instituted temporary additional security screening measures at airports. While I cannot go into every detail for security reasons, I want to emphasize that passengers may experience some delays during the screening process. We encourage travelers to plan accordingly and allow extra time for their journeys.
**Editor:** With these enhanced protocols, how do you recommend that travelers prepare for their trips?
**Minister Anand:** We advise travelers to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to accommodate potential delays. It’s also wise to stay updated on any further announcements from our ministry concerning travel advisories. Keeping an eye on your flight status and being prepared for additional screening will help make the process smoother.
**Editor:** There have been concerns raised about traveler convenience during these enhanced security measures. Could you comment on that?
**Minister Anand:** We understand that additional screening can be an inconvenience, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of travelers during this time. While these measures may lead to delays, they are part of our commitment to ensuring that Canadians can travel safely. We are also continuously assessing the situation and will adjust protocols as necessary.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights today, Minister Anand. As these measures roll out, we hope for a smooth and safe travel experience for everyone.
**Minister Anand:** Thank you for having me. It’s our goal to keep travelers safe, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this important matter.