Several weeks ago I flew from ATL to YUL for a funeral. I've flown to and from Canadian airports before, but not since 9/11 and I didn't really remember what the security experience might be like.

Compared to a TSA style screening, things, in my opinion were more relaxed, but as, if not more through. One thing I did notice was that each passenger seem to get their own "security escort" that guided them through the security area, and helped them place their belongings on the x-ray belt, advised them individually on what they should take off (belts, shoes, etc.), and checked their boarding pass. He or she would also ask you a few security questions, possibly to get a behavioural idea of why you were travelling, etc.

The WTMD was manned by a different person, but the same security escort met you at the other end to make sure you had all your stuff. They then went back to the queue to guide the next passenger through. I also noticed the WTMD did not have it's audible alert feature on, so you really didn't know if you had alarmed the detector until you were told you were OK, or needed to be wanded.

Any thoughts/comments on this?

I would prefer if they did not pry into my life. As I have stated repeatedly, travel may involve a private family matter (I would rather not discuss that with total strangers) or my employer's proprietary matters (discussing that with anyone outside of the office is a "firing offense").
My preference is to have an audible alert. This way you know why you are being wanded. I also like the "second chance" rule in the US. However, most savvy travelers know how to minimize the amount of metal on them.

I agree, questioning is for the birds. Any terrorist or liar can easily fabricate a story to cover their tracks. My travel is my business.

Just met a mate yesterday, BA - YMX/LHR and he HAD to place his trouser belt in his checked baggage, in case he tried to throttle someone on the flight.

Now....who is winning this 'war on terrorism'? the terrorist or the common travelling public. From what I see the terrorist is winning by a mile.

I believe that garments that can be used in 'inappropriate actions' like trousers/shirts that could be used to throttle someone or skirts that could be used as 'hoods' to stop people seeing what is going on should also now be banned. Could we establish that the best was to travel by air is completely naked with your ticket and passport.

One word: NANNY-STATE

That's a great idea!! "Ms. Aniston - I'm sorry, but that miniskirt you have on could be used to blindfold the pilot of your plane - it's going to have to come off."

Not so fast, you could do some serious paper-cut damage with that ticket and passport...

I transit through YUL twice a week (home base) and haven't noticed CATSA escorts but will check next week. I agree that security is more relaxed, which is not to say lax however. The one differentiating factor in Canadian airports in general is that there isn't a shoe circus.

Maybe tickets and passports should also be banned in case you try and slash someone on the plane. WOW what a wonderful way to travel - you can arrive in your destination in the same condition as the moment you were born into this World

;-) Brings a new meaning to that old phrase "is that a gun in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me on this flight"

I think we're really onto something... Unless another Richard Reid tries to stick a bomb up his butt or something.