They told me if I could somehow conceal it going through the xray belt I could have it... this is AFTER I cleared Customs in Toronto and was technically already on soverigh american ground!

What's even more maddening in regards to what you said is when, back here in the US, you Must send the CLEAR bottle of water through the xray to irradiate it, yet the OPAQUE cup of coffee is good to carry through in your hands.