On September 11, 2001, as the United States reeled from devastating terrorist attacks, Canada’s leaders and citizens mobilized with remarkable speed and resolve. While the world watched the unfolding tragedy in New York and Washington, a complex and often challenging response was taking shape north of the border. This period, particularly the initial hours and days, revealed a nation’s capacity for both swift action and profound humanitarianism, even amidst uncertainty and fear.
Prime Minister Chretien’s Initial Reaction and Security Concerns
Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien was at his official residence, 24 Sussex Drive, on the morning of September 11, working from home. His schedule included a meeting with the new premier of Saskatchewan, Lorne Calvert. The initial reports of a plane crashing into the World Trade Center were met with disbelief, with Chretien, like many, assuming it was a small aircraft piloted by an inexperienced individual. However, the second impact confirmed the gravity of the situation.
Chretien’s immediate instinct was to contact U.S. President George W. Bush to offer Canada’s condolences and support. His advisors, however, urged caution, suggesting the President would be too occupied. Instead, Chretien attempted to reach the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Paul Cellucci, eventually speaking with the deputy chief of mission. He assured the diplomat that Canada stood ready to assist in any way possible, though he privately acknowledged the limited direct actions Canada could take at that moment.
The challenge of reaching cabinet ministers, who were dispersed across the country and even abroad, was compounded by the era’s limited mobile phone technology. Communication relied on early, often unreliable mobile phones and landlines. Throughout the morning, Chretien and his staff monitored the events unfolding in the U.S. via CNN. His security detail repeatedly urged him to relocate to a more secure site, concerned about potential threats to Canadian soil. Chretien, however, remained at his residence, a decision driven partly by a desire to project calm and partly by his own private concerns about a specific individual: Ahmed Ressam, the so-called ‘Millennium Bomber’. Chretien sought information on any potential links between Ressam and the 9/11 attackers, fearing a devastating connection for Canada.
Minister Collenette’s Rapid Response to Airspace Closure
David Collenette, Canada’s Minister of Transport, was in Montreal preparing to address a conference of airport managers. He was alerted to the unfolding crisis by murmurs in the audience, which quickly escalated. An aide handed him a note stating, “WIND UP YOUR SPEECH THERE’S BEEN A TRAGEDY.” Upon learning of the World Trade Center attacks, Collenette initially described it as a small plane crash, suspecting a terrorist incident.
As he attempted to leave the venue, he was informed of the second plane hitting the South Tower. Concerned about the ability to fly back to Ottawa, he decided to drive, a journey that would take over two hours. During the drive, his deputy minister, Margaret Bloodworth, informed him that U.S. airspace had been closed by Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, a decision that had not been communicated to Canada. Recognizing his authority, Collenette made the momentous decision to close Canadian airspace as well, effectively halting all air traffic in both countries.
The immediate challenge shifted to managing the hundreds of aircraft diverted from U.S. destinations. Collenette faced the daunting task of accommodating an estimated 33,000 passengers from 239 flights landing at 17 Canadian airports. Compounding the difficulty, many of the key airport managers he needed were still attending the conference in Montreal, unable to travel due to the airspace closure.
Minister Manley’s Concerns and the ‘Millennium Bomber’
John Manley, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, was returning from Frankfurt, Germany, on an Air Canada flight. A flight attendant discreetly informed him of the World Trade Center attacks. He was granted access to the cockpit, where he listened to BBC World Service Radio. As the details emerged, the name Ahmed Ressam, the Algerian militant arrested in Washington state in 1999 with explosives in his car, weighed heavily on his mind. Ressam, who had sought and received refugee status in Canada, had been convicted of conspiracy to bomb a U.S. airport and membership in al-Qaeda.
The Ahmed Ressam Connection and National Security Fears
The arrest of Ahmed Ressam in December 1999 had been a significant event. He was caught by a vigilant U.S. customs inspector, Diana Dean, attempting to enter Washington state from British Columbia with a car full of explosives. Ressam, trained by al-Qaeda, had entered Canada in 1994, obtained refugee status, and engaged in criminal activities to finance his plot. His arrest and subsequent conviction highlighted the vulnerability of the U.S.-Canada border and the potential for terrorists to use Canada as a base or transit point.
In the aftermath of 9/11, Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Chretien, Minister Manley, Justice Minister Anne McLellan, and Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay, urgently sought any connection between Ressam and the 9/11 hijackers. Despite extensive inquiries, no direct link was established. Nevertheless, the U.S. media and some politicians, like Representative Lamar Smith and Senator John McCain, began to publicly associate Canada with terrorism, with McCain making the categorical, though unsubstantiated, claim that some hijackers had entered the U.S. from Canada. Canadian officials, led by RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli, vehemently refuted these claims, emphasizing the strong cooperation between Canadian and U.S. security agencies.
Operation Yellow Ribbon: A Humanitarian Effort
The decision to close Canadian airspace led to the unprecedented diversion of nearly 5,000 planes. The majority of these were rerouted to smaller Canadian airports, particularly on the East Coast, such as Gander, St. John’s, Stephenville, and Goose Bay. This initiative, eventually named Operation Yellow Ribbon, was born out of necessity and a commitment to humanitarianism.
The logistical challenges were immense. Thousands of passengers, stranded unexpectedly, required food, shelter, medical attention, and basic necessities. Airports, often ill-equipped to handle such a large influx, became temporary homes. Local communities, government agencies, and volunteers rallied to provide support, demonstrating extraordinary compassion and resourcefulness. Passengers were initially not allowed to disembark until screened, and their checked baggage remained on the planes, reflecting the ongoing security concerns.
The Situation Centre (SitCen) at Transport Canada became the nerve center for coordinating the response, managing airspace closures, and directing diverted flights. Operation Yellow Ribbon, though slow to gain momentum due to the scale of the undertaking, ultimately showcased Canada’s capacity to respond to a global crisis with care and efficiency.
Addressing the Nation and the Lingering Questions
Prime Minister Chretien addressed the nation, focusing on reassurance and solidarity with the United States. He emphasized Canada’s commitment to assisting its neighbor and accommodating stranded travelers. While his remarks were measured to avoid inciting panic, they drew criticism from some quarters for being brief, particularly as questions about Canada’s immigration and national security policies, fueled by the Ressam case, began to surface.
The events of 9/11 and Canada’s response highlighted the deep interconnectedness of the two nations. Operation Yellow Ribbon became a symbol of Canadian compassion, a testament to the country’s willingness to open its doors during a time of immense crisis. Despite the operational successes and the humanitarian outpouring, the lack of a public acknowledgment of Canada’s efforts from the U.S. administration was noted by some Canadian officials.
The untold history of Canada’s 9/11 response reveals a complex interplay of security concerns, logistical challenges, and a profound display of national unity and humanitarian spirit. It underscores the critical role of preparedness, inter-agency cooperation, and the unwavering commitment of ordinary Canadians in facing an unprecedented global event.
