Canadians heading to France face travel uncertainty, warned to be 'vigilant' - Action News
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Canadians heading to France face travel uncertainty, warned to be 'vigilant'

Canadians travelling into and out of France face the prospect of travel disruption in the wake of that countrys decision to close its borders following multiple deadly attacks in Paris.

Flights scheduled to Paris from Pearson airport in Toronto, Trudeau airport in Montreal

Travel plans for Canadians in and out of France faced possible disruption in the wake of that countrys decision to close its borders following multiple attacks in Paris. (CBC)

Canadians travelling toand out of France faced the prospect of travel disruptionin the wake of that country's decision to close its borders following multiple attacks in Paris.

French President Franois Hollande announced that borders would be closed and he was declaring a state of emergency in light of the string of attacks.

However, France's foreign ministry said airports in that country wouldremain open and saidtraintravel will continue.

Two flights left for Paris from Toronto's Pearson International Airport on Friday. Other flights are scheduled to depart later today from Toronto and Montreal.

Air Canada said it will waive any fees for passengers wishing to cancel or rebook flights on Friday or Saturday.

Greater Toronto Airports AuthorityspokeswomanSiobhanDesrochestold CBC News that anyone in need of information onflightsin or out of France should check for the latest information.

"TheGTAAis urging all passengers scheduled to fly out of Toronto to France to check with their airline before heading to the airport," she said.

*It's up to the airlines to announce whether the flights are cancelled,"Desrochessaid.

'Extremely vigilant'

The Canadian government continued to provide updates on Twitter with phone numbers for Canadians in France to call for emergency assistance.

"Be extremely vigilant," the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development warned on Twitter.

Canadians in Paris are being advised, as well, to "remain indoors and follow advice of local authorities."

Canadians seeking information are advised to contact Foreign Affairs either online at sos@international.gc.ca or they can call collect at 1-613-996-8885.

Foreign Affairs Minister Stphane Dion expressed Canada's support for France in the "fight against terror," andsaidhelp is available to Canadians abroad.

"Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa and the Embassy of Canada in Paris are endeavouring to determine if Canadian citizens have been affected," Dion's statement said.

"Canadian citizens in Paris requiring emergency consular assistance are being advised to contact the Embassy of Canada in Paris at+33 (0)1 44 43 29 02," the statement said.

The state of emergency in France applies toall of that country'smainland territory and toCorsica.

Under French law, the state of emergency can be decided in the event of "imminent danger following serious breaches of law and order."

The state of emergency allows state authorities to forbid the movement of persons and vehicles at specific times and places. They can also define protected areas and safety areas where the movement of persons is controlled.

With files from The Associated Press