Transport Canada has amended the prohibited items list so that “very small knife blades (6 cm or less—about the size of a large paper clip) will not be prohibited on domestic or international flights.” The exemption does not, however, apply to any flights to the United States.
OTTAWA – Canadian Sikhs and the World Sikh Organization of Canada welcomed the decision by Transport Canada allowing blades of up to 6cm in length on domestic and international flights in Canada.
As of November 27, 2017, kirpans with blades of up to 6cm will be permitted on Canadian flights. Earlier this year, the WSO had reached out to Transport Canada encouraging the adoption of the international standard so that Sikhs wearing the kirpan could be accommodated.
According to this week’s announcement, Transport Canada has amended the prohibited items list so that “very small knife blades (6 cm or less—about the size of a large paper clip) will not be prohibited on domestic or international flights.”
The exemption does not, however, apply to any flights to the United States.
Sikhs in the UK have already been permitted to fly with kirpans with blades of up to 6cm for some time in accordance with European Union standards.
WSO President Mukhbir Singh said, “we welcome the announcement. We had shared our concerns with Transport Canada last spring with respect to the accommodation of small kirpans and remained in communication with them over this matter. By adopting the European Union standard on blade length, Sikh travelers in Canada will be able to wear kirpans with blades of up to 6cm in length. It is important to understand however, that the size requirements will be enforced strictly and Sikh travelers wishing to travel with their kirpan meet the size requirements.”
The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs, as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights of all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status.
