Minister Garneau to unveil renewed campaign against pointing lasers at planes

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 becoming a serious danger for pilots and travellers.

The number of laser incidents reported to Transport Canada has increased in the last few years.  In 2015, there were 600 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.

Last year, the previous Conservative government launched the “not a bright idea” campaign and website to try and curb the number of laser incidents on planes.

The campaign targeted Canadians around the country’s three largest airports in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

The campaign is set to launch Tuesday and will focus on social media instead of the traditional political ad campaigns of the past.