Garneau to unveil renewed campaign against pointing lasers at planes

OTTAWA – The federal government is set to launch a social media campaign to shine a light on the ongoing problem of people pointing lasers at planes.

Transport Minister Marc Garneau is expected to unveil the details of the campaign on Tuesday in Toronto as the government tries to address what is fast becoming a serious danger for pilots and air travellers.

The number of laser incidents reported to Transport Canada has increased in the last few years: In 2014, there 502 so-called laser strike incidents on planes, a 43 per cent increase since 2012.

In 2015, there 600 incidents. And through to April of this year, there have been 148 incidents.

The concern is that one of those laser strikes distracts a pilot too much or affects their vision enough to jeopardize the safety of passengers and people on the ground.

The punishments for anyone caught are steep: A fine of up to $100,000, five years in prison, or both.

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