OTTAWA – The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, voiced dismay at recent news media reports indicating that budget cuts have lead to a 25% reduction in force of air marshal personnel in the Canadian Air Carrier Protective Program.

Capt. Craig Hall, director of the ALPA Canada National Security Committee, said, “When we consider that not even a year has passed since the Northwest Flight 253 near-disaster over Canadian soil on Christmas Day and the recent reports of heightened concerns regarding possible terrorist attacks in Europe, ALPA firmly believes that this is not the time to cut back on one of the most effective terrorism deterrents we have.”

“The value of the CACPP and the cooperation that exists between the program and airline pilots are essential elements in protecting our passengers and valued resources from acts of terrorism,” said Capt. Dan Adamus, president of the ALPA Canada Board. “As a result, ALPA strongly supports the program and its objectives. Intelligence agencies repeatedly tell us that, although specific threats do not currently exist for this country, Canada nevertheless remains at risk from terrorism.”

Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president, summed up the Association’s concerns saying, “This program, and its counterpart in the United States, are time-proven security measures that benefit all travellers in North America. If these reports are correct, we strongly urge decision-makers to reconsider these cuts that will weaken the layers of security responsible for the continued safety of the travelling public.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing nearly 53,000 pilots at 38 airlines in the United States and Canada.