Via Rail eyes more baggage checks, sniffer dogs and background traces

OTTAWA – Taking a train in Canada could soon become more like boarding an airplane as Via Rail considers greater scrutiny of checked baggage, more inspections by sniffer dogs and security checks on passengers.

Jacques Gagnon, a Via Rail spokesman, says the measures are being considered in direct response to the alleged terrorist plot to derail a train that led to arrests in April.

Raed Jaser, 35, of Toronto, and Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, of Montreal, face terrorism-related charges for allegedly plotting to derail a Via passenger train.

The alleged plot is said to have targeted a train that travels from New York City to Ontario, operated by U.S. rail service Amtrak south of the border and Via Rail in Canada.

Jaser’s lawyer denied the allegations against his client while Essighaier has refused to recognize the Criminal Code and has said he wants a lawyer who will use the Qur’an.

Via took some initial steps to beef up security, and also set up a working group to study possible further changes.