Suggested Responses

  • Transport Canada strengthens and modernizes aviation safety and security regulations on an ongoing basis.
  • The Department develops policies, guidelines, regulations, standards and educational materials to advance aviation safety and security in Canada.
  • Through its oversight program, Transport Canada verifies compliance with the regulatory framework by conducting certifications, assessments, validations, inspections and enforcement actions.
  • Transport Canada drives safety and security improvements in collaboration with partners, including NAV CANADA, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, airports, airlines, labour unions, provincial, territorial and municipal authorities, and international counterparts.

Background Information

The safety and security of air travelers and the aviation system continues to be the priority of Transport Canada (TC). This responsibility is shared with other federal organizations, law enforcement agencies, industry, international organizations and other countries.

Responsibilities under the Aeronautics Act include:

1. Developing policies, regulations and standards under the Canadian Aviation Regulations and the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012;

2. Contributing to and implementing aviation safety and security standards developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization; and

3. Conducting oversight activities and providing services to the industry.

TC leads on initiatives emerging from the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, including advocating for reforms to international air accident investigation protocols to better address conflict-of-interest situations when an aircraft is downed, and developing a framework for assisting victims and families following aircraft accidents in Canada. TC is also responsible for the Safer Skies Initiative, which aims to enhance the safety and security of airspace over or near conflict zones to protect civil aviation operations.

TC is focusing efforts on identifying opportunities to increase Canada’s economic competitiveness and enhancing the overall security of the Canadian global aviation system. Several key areas have been identified, including:

  • Continuing to modernize the air travel journey by adopting new standards, technology, and technical solutions that support the facilitation of the passenger journey;
  • Overseeing the Pre-load Air Cargo Targeting Program, which uses artificial intelligence to risk assess inbound air cargo information;
  • Significant investment has been made to enhance the passenger screening experience by modernizing screening technology. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority aims to complete the deployment of Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray at major Canadian airports by 2029;
  • Exploring ways to increase regional access to security screening services;
  • Adjusting the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012, to better align with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization standards; and
  • Modernizing our oversight practices and procedures to ensure we keep pace with the ever-evolving stakeholder and legislative environment.
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