Originally Posted by
sparksals
I was surprised to hear of the added security measures on the Canadian side when the bomber attempt originated in Europe. I asked my husband, who works for DHS, why Canada would suddenly impose such rash restrictions. He has no knowledge of the details since he was on leave while all this happened, but his opinion is the fact the bomber was heading to Detroit, close proximity to Canada, that the authorities may suspect he had help or an accomplice in Canada or was planning to head there. For something to be SO quick and far sweeping made him think the authorities or intelligence had some info that has not been released. They don't do this just for the helluvit. There has to be a reason.
It's not just Canada. The US has insisted on more intensive screening for everyone flying into the US, not just for people flying from Canada. The US then "relaxed" this slightly by insisting on extra screening for all people who are citizens/residents of 14 countries, and random extra screening for everyone else.
These measures hit Canada especially hard because (a) Canadian airports have a high proportion of flights to the US, hence a high proportion of passengers that must be screened in depth and (b) apparently Canadian policy prohibits discriminating against the 14 countries so CATSA are giving the super-dooper extra screening to everyone.
Originally Posted by
sparksals
Once he explained it, it made much more sense. Although, I have seen on Canadian TV that the rules are arbitrarily and inconsistently applied.
I haven't seen anything suggesting that Canada is a particular threat or that the proximity to Detroit is a factor.
Originally Posted by
sparksals
I just hope it all clears up by the time we go to Canada in Feb.
Given the cause of the problems as described above, I wouldn't count on it.
