Transport Canada has amended the rules around prohibited items on plans to allow small size kirpans on domestic and international flights. According to Hindustan Times, blades up to 6 cms in length will be allowed on domestic and international flights.
World Sikh Organization of Canada disclosed this information after it had reached out to Transport Canada, encouraging them to adopt international standards.
The changes were put in place from 27th November 2017. 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 today’s 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 travellers 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 travellers wishing to travel with their kirpan meets the size requirements.”
Also read
