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