DEMARCHE ON LIGHTER BAN

UNCLAS OTTAWA 001123 SIPDIS STATE FOR EB/TRA/OTP AND WHA/CAN DHS FOR TSA (SUSAN WILLIAMS) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR PTER CA SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON LIGHTER BAN REF: A) STATE 66181 B) MERRIGAN-WILLIAMS TELCONS AND E-MAILS C) STATE 41383 ¶1. (U) As discussed with TSA in reftelcons, the Government of Canada (GOC) is still seeking to find the regulatory means to implement the ban on lighters on U.S.-bound aircraft. The GOC is considering the issue of whether a policy change such as the addition of lighters to the list of prohibited items on aircraft requires legislative approval under the Public Safety Act, or whether the Ministry of Transport can direct immediate implementation of the regulation. ¶2. (U) Post presented demarche and talking points in reftel C to Transport Canada on March 14, and subsequently delivered copies of TSA's press release and website information regarding the lighter ban to Transport Canada as well as Deputy Prime Minister McLellan's office. Post has also discussed the ban on lighters with the Air Transport Association of Canada. ¶3. (U) Post understands that TSA has granted a two-week grace period starting April 14 during which the GOC is expected to come up with the means to implement the ban on lighters. Post will attempt to help in finding the appropriate mechanism to enable the GOC to comply with the new regulation. Visit Canada's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/ottawa DICKSON