Budget 2001
Enhancing Security for Canadians (1 of 2)

December 10, 2001

For most of our history, we in North America have been fortunate to live in peace, untouched by attack. That has changed.

One of the most significant consequences of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States is a sense of insecurity – both personal and economic. And the key to rebuilding confidence is ensuring that people are safe and that borders are secure, yet open and efficient.

We must also remember that the ultimate goal of terrorists is not to capture us by the force of arms, but by the force of terror. Their goal is to shut us down. And neither this government, nor Canadians, will let them.

Since September 11, our government has announced a number of initiatives that respond to the need for increased security while preserving the rights and freedoms that Canadians hold so dear.

Budget 2001 builds on these initiatives by investing $6.5 billion in a comprehensive set of measures designed to keep Canadians safe and terrorists out; to prevent terrorist attacks in Canada and prevent terrorists from using Canada as a staging ground.

Our plan is based on increased resources for intelligence and policing, enhanced screening of arrivals in Canada and better emergency preparedness and support for Canada’s military.

Air Security – A New Approach

Canada has one of the safest aviation systems in the world. Still, the events of September 11 have had a significant impact on the security needs of air travellers.

Budget 2001 is allocating $2.2 billion over five years to make air travel more secure in accordance with rigorous new national Transport Canada standards.

To ensure that these standards are met, we will create a new air security authority. The new measures will include:

armed undercover police officers on Canadian aircrafts;

better-trained personnel to screen passengers and carry-on baggage;

new state-of-the-art explosive detection systems at Canada’s airports;

enhanced policing in airports;

replacement of aircraft cockpit doors to make them more secure;

enhanced security zones at aircraft handling facilities and on tarmacs.

These measures will be funded by a new Air Travelers Security Charge to be paid by air travellers starting April 1, 2002, for travel in Canada. The total cost of the charge will be $12 each way.

Screening of Entrants to Canada

Canada welcomes visitors, as well as immigrants and refugees who want to live peacefully in this country. That will not change.

But our government recognizes that authorities must have a better ability to identify and exclude those who pose a risk to Canada and the rest of the world.

Budget 2001 invests $1 billion over five years to improve the screening of immigrants, refugee claimants and visitors. These initiatives will include:

better and more accurate screening;

more resources for detention and removals;

quicker determination of refugee claims, including the elimination of backlog;

new fraud-resistant Permanent Resident Cards; and

enhanced security features for the Canadian passport.