2006-08 (August)
Blaine Calkins MP Report
August 23, 2006
Tooth Paste, Baby Formula & Terrorism
What do cosmetic creams, lotions, tooth paste and baby formula have to do with terrorism, you might ask? On August 10th, British law enforcement agencies arrested 21 people suspected of plotting to blow up passenger airplanes by hiding liquid explosives in ordinary containers. Transport Canada quickly increased security at Canadian airports and imposed strict new rules for carry on baggage.
Since then, liquids and gels have been banned from the carry-on bags of air travellers. Even baby formula is subject to inspection because there are indications that the parents of an eight month old child planned to hide liquid explosives in the baby's milk and then use it to cause an explosion on an aircraft.
Terrorism threatens all free and democratic societies and Canada is not immune. Earlier this summer, 17 individuals were arrested in Toronto for terrorist related offences. They were allegedly plotting to commit acts of terrorism against their own country and their own people.
Our New Government is committed to keeping Canadians safe from the threat of terror. In June, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Transport Minister, Lawrence Cannon announced new measures to help increase Canada’s capabilities to detect and respond to potential terrorist attacks.
In addition to our commitment of 1000 new RCMP personnel and $303 million for a new border strategy, we are investing $254 million dollars over the next two years to bolster Canada’s transportation security infrastructure. This investment will do three things: improve screening of cargo at airports; increase security of our rail system; and upgrade marine port security.
The bloodshed and the carnage in Lebanon initiated by the group, Hezbollah, is another example of what little regard terrorists have for human life. Several Canadian Opposition MP’s on a visit to the Middle East were reported to be in favour of removing Hezbollah from the banned terrorist list.
Such a move would only encourage this terrorist organization and damage any hope of peace. To preserve Canada's credibility, our government will not delist Hezbollah.
You can be sure that the Harper government will continue to support our law enforcement agencies by strengthening our laws, our policies and the resources dedicated to the fight against terrorism here and around the world.
If you wish more information on any federally related matters please contact my Constituency office at: #6, 4612 - 50th Street, Ponoka, T4J 1S7. Tel: (403) 783-5530; toll free at 1-800-665-0865 or check my web site: www.blainecalkinsmp.ca