Conservative cuts compromise canadians’ safety

OTTAWA – NDP Transport critic Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina) and United Steelworkers National Director Ken Neumann warned Canadians today that the Conservative government’s cuts to airport security screeners will compromise passenger safety and security.

Conservatives are planning on cutting a significant number of security screeners, setting off a potential crisis in airports across the country. In Toronto, this will mean 300 fewer security screeners in place at Canada’s busiest airport.

“The security of Canadian air travellers will be compromised by these latest cuts to airport security screeners. This will compromise security and lead to much longer line ups," said Chow. “Canadians already are paying a security screening fee every time they fly, there is simply no excuse for these service cuts.”

The cuts at Pearson’s International Airport affect those responsible for pre-boarding security. Airport Security Screeners who accompanied Chow warned these cuts would create significant service delays.

"To protect passenger safety and provide timely service, the Canadian Air Transport Security Agency (CATSA) must reverse these dramatic cuts in frontline airport security screeners," added Neumann.

“Once again, the Harper government punishes workers and Canadians suffer. When it comes to airport security, Canadians deserve an upgrade, not being bumped." said Chow.