OTTAWA — Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird today announced that effective Thursday, April 8, airline passengers who are traveling to the United States from Canada will be permitted to bring two carry-on bags and personal items.

“The Government of Canada is unwavering in our commitment to implement the most effective measures possible for a safe and secure aviation system, while upholding a level of comfort and convenience for air travelers,” said Baird. “With more robust air security measures in place for passengers, we are able to remove the temporary carry-on baggage restrictions put into place following the December terrorist attack.”

Following the December 25, 2009 terrorist attack on a flight headed to Detroit, the Government of Canada announced carry-on baggage restrictions for flights to the U.S. in response to newly implemented U.S. security measures.

In addition, the Government of Canada announced new measures to bolster Canada’s aviation system including the introduction of new full body scanners, strengthening explosive trace detection, announcing its intention to develop a passenger behavior observation program, and new funding to enhance aviation security in Budget 2010.