[JURIST] Two weeks after the arrests of 17 Canadians on terrorism-related charges [JURIST report] in the Toronto area, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper [official website] Friday announced [press release] that his government will step up anti-terrorism efforts in Canada by adding more security at airports, marine ports and railway systems. Harper also indicated that $224 million of the $1.3 billion federal security budget would be used to improve Canada's terrorist tracking capabilities. The new measures will allow for additional resources to check passports and will implement a stricter policy on screening luggage. The government is also considering using federal air marshals on commercial flights, much like those working on US flights since the September 11 attacks [JURIST news archive].

Responding to increased criticism by the US after the Canadian terror arrests, Harper said the Canadian government may consider options to enhance security along the 4,000-mile Canada-US border. The 17 Toronto suspects have been attending hearings [JURIST report] regarding the charges [CBC breakdown by suspect] against them, but many details of the procedures have remained sealed under a publication ban [Canadian Press report] imposed this week. Earlier this month, the Canadian government also announced its intent to introduce new anti-terror legislation [JURIST report] in the fall that would fight money laundering and the financing of terrorism. AP has more.