Originally Posted by
exbayern
I was going to say that in my experience there is a far broader range of cultural diversity and language skills amongst CATSA than amongst TSA.
Well, you have to have a certain number of French speakers anyway. I'm guessing that pat down certified people are supposed to have the Francais/English pin. My one pat down in Canada, which was my one and only need to opt out of any NOS so far (knock on wood), involved me going on in French about how ridiculous the situation was with the guy doing the pat down and him laughing and agreeing.
Originally Posted by
ylwae
Immigrant communities--yes. I haven't been struck by any age differences between them and TSA employees.
In general, CATSA people are better behaved. As far as modesty in screening goes, it may also have something to do with the protocols which are in place.
I've noticed definite age differences. There are youngsters at CATSA/Garda and older people at TSA, but I do think they tend older at CATSA.
Originally Posted by
igloocoder
I think that "culturally diverse" is a big difference. Even in pasty white YEG we have at least 3 or 4 cultures covered during the late shift. While I'm as white as Casper, I derive some comfort from this arrangement.
I agree. It makes me feel FAR more comfortable, as many have likely been subject to similar problems.
Originally Posted by
Wimpie
CATSA seems to be trying to out-do TSA. Here's another REALLY UGLY report from the great white north:
A “terrified” four-year-old Saskatoon girl was subjected to a 20-minute airport security inspection in Calgary Thursday evening that included pat downs, restraint and multiple scans of her doll, her parents say.
Wow. That is going to get someone fired.