The Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Authority, in partnership with the Canadian Police Canine Association, was proud to have played host to a K9 training workshop from April 28th-30th of this year. As many as 19 teams, one from as far away as Madagascar, were on site for the full three days, learning the latest methods of shaping K9 behavior and enhancing search and detection capabilities.

The airport, home to its own contingent of specialized K9s, is a challenging and diverse environment well suited to training of this nature. The dogs and their handlers were active both in the public areas as well as behind the scenes at the airport. Many passengers and visitors noticed the increased presence as these teams moved about the facility navigating the various aspects of the training program.

“The Airport Authority’s K9 Unit is an important and visible component of the airport’s overall security program” said Mark Laroche, Airport Authority President and CEO. “Staying on the leading edge of training methods and protocols contributes to meeting our strategic goal of ensuring safe, secure operations”.

“This is the first multi-agency law enforcement seminar we have conducted and the request is already in for OMCIAA to host more. The Authority’s K9 Unit trains frequently with outside agencies on-site, but this is the first time this many teams have worked together in this manner” said James Armstrong, Director of Security for the Airport Authority.

The Authority’s newest K9 recruit, a recently-acquired 6-month old Belgian Malinois puppy named Jet, was put through a few of the paces and showed well. He will begin a behavior-shaping program followed by the rigorous training course in a few months. We have our fingers crossed that Jet has what it takes to do the job! Stay tuned…

The feedback from the workshop has been excellent, with much credit being given to the warm airport welcome extended to all participants, as well as the diverse nature of the environment and its specialized operations. Given its success, visitors and airport employees can expect to see other K9 teams working alongside the Authority’s own again in the very near future. 

About the Ottawa International Airport Authority

OMCIAA manages, operates and develops airport facilities and lands in support of the economic growth of the National Capital Region, generating more than $2.2 billion annually in total economic activity in Ottawa and Gatineau.

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For more information:
Krista Kealey
Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs
613-248-2050