Air travelers walk through the departures level at Pearson International airport in Toronto February 2, 2011.MIKE CASSESE
Authorities are investigating how a suspected stowaway snuck past Pearson International Airport's security perimeter to board an international flight and allegedly hid inside a parked plane before being discovered by a dog team.
Officials call the alleged breach a "unique" and "alarming" event for Canada's largest airport, which, like all North American airports, has implemented an array of invasive and expensive screening measures aimed at discovering whether passengers are stashing bombs in their water bottles, shoes or underwear.
The allegations also come as public-sector unions warn that the Conservative government's job cuts to border guards and aviation screeners – including sniffer-dog teams – will jeopardize public safety at Canada's airports and border crossings.
A man was arrested around 8:30 a.m. Monday inside a Copa Airlines 737 due to take off for Panama City an hour later.
Peel Regional Police have charged 33-year-old Trevor Kendall with mischief, breaking and entering into a plane, endangering the safety of the aircraft and obstructing police.
Authorities suspect the man could have been aboard the plane for hours before a dog team discovered his scent.
"I don't know what prompted him to pass through security and make his way into an airport. It is something that obviously is alarming to us," Constable George Tudos said in an interview.
"We're not sure how he got access," Constable Tudos said. "I don't believe there was any risk to national security or anything like that."
Officials with Transport Canada and the Greater Toronto Airport Authority are investigating the alleged breach, which delayed the flight for more than four hours.
"This is something we take very seriously," said Trish Krale, who works for the airport authority and called the allegations "unique."
She said the man is suspected of getting onto the secure tarmac through the airport's perimeter without passing through any terminal checkpoints.
Three years ago, Conservative cabinet minister John Baird was at the centre of a similar security breach.
Then Transport Minister, Mr. Baird stepped onto Pearson's tarmac, having discovered an open point in the perimeter while touring the exterior of the facility under RCMP escort.
"What I saw simply is unacceptable," the Conservative cabinet minister said at the time. "There were doors that were unlocked and no security present, which would allow anyone from the street to have been able to walk in."
After that 2009 security breach, Mr. Baird convened emergency meetings with GTAA officials, who assumed full responsibility and promised "immediate action" to plug the security gaps.
Mr. Baird admonished officials, saying they have to safeguard the entire airport perimeter, and not just "shake down" passengers in terminals.
"Look at the expense, time and energy we've put into shaking down passengers for their toothpaste and hair gel. I think we have to look at other priorities as well."
Colin Freeze