Better technology means Ottawa can loosen rules for liquids on planes: Raitt

WINNIPEG – Better screening technology means people may soon be able to take some liquids on Canadian flights.

Federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt says an international working paper by Australia, Canada and the U.S. recommends relaxing the rules around carry-on liquids.

At a transportation ministers meeting in Winnipeg, Raitt says banning all liquids from carry-on bags was always a temporary measure.

She says technology has now caught up and airports can better screen items to see if they pose a threat.

Raitt says airports will start loosening the rules on select items in January.

She says these are baby steps that will eventually mean shorter line-ups at security and less inconvenience for air travellers.