The following is excerpted from the 8 November 2010 news release by Transport Canada.

The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, today announced new aviation security measures to further enhance the safety and security of Canada’s aviation system.

Effective Monday, November 8, 2010, at 12 p.m.:

• Passengers are not permitted to transport printer toner cartridges in checked bags on any flights departing from Canadian airports if those cartridges weigh 454 grams (16 ounces) or more. These large, office-size toner cartridges are between 20 centimetres and 30 centimetres in length (8 to 12 inches respectively, or approximately the size of a loaf of bread). Smaller toner cartridges, such as those typically used in home printers, are still permitted.
• Passengers on outbound flights from Canada to the United States are not permitted to travel with cartridges in carry-on bags.
• Air carriers are not permitted to transport large printer cartridges in cargo carried on passenger flights departing from airports in Canada.
• All cargo and mail from or transiting through Yemen or Somalia are also banned from entering Canada.

These measures are being put in place as a result of two packages found in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates on October 29, 2010. They reflect discussions with domestic and international partners and respond to new requirements announced by the United States today.

“Our government’s highest priority is the continued safety and security of Canadians and the travelling public,” said Minister Strahl. “While there was and is no current information that these incidents were targeting Canada, we will continue to monitor the international security environment closely and take further action as appropriate to protect air travellers.”...

Travellers are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities.

Backgrounder information is available on the Transport Canada website at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/releases-2010-h122e-6145.htm