Aviation initiatives planned for April 2024 – April 2026

From: Transport Canada

You can use this page to find information on planned regulatory initiatives that Transport Canada expects to bring forward over the next two years.

On this page

Airport Zoning Initiatives

Vancouver International Airport Zoning Regulations

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The proposed Regulations would update current zoning protection by restricting the heights of buildings and certain land uses near the airport for the protection of safe aircraft operations and provide protection for development and operations. This proposal is aligned with the Vancouver Airport Authority’s 20-year Master Plan for a potential future runway.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Any increase in air traffic will result in an increase in the activities and services required. Vancouver International Airport is the major international airport in Western Canada, provides thousands of jobs (both directly and indirectly), and contributes to the local and national economies.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

No impact is expected.

Consultations

The proposed Regulations are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in early 2024 with a 60-day public comment period.

Departmental contact information

Jamie Johnson
Regional Director, Civil Aviation
Pacific Region
Transport Canada
Email: jamie.johnson@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: October 2018

Aviation Security Initiatives

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Air Cargo)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

This regulatory initiative is part of the Digitalization and Technology-Neutral Regulatory Review Roadmap.

The proposed regulatory changes would create requirements for all air carriers, transporting cargo on flights to Canada, to submit Advance Cargo Information, using the Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Targeting (PACT) tool, to Transport Canada. These changes would allow Transport Canada to risk assess the cargo before it is loaded on an aircraft. This risk assessment will incorporate the use of artificial intelligence to target potential threats to aviation security.

Depending on the results of the risk assessment, cargo may be subject to re-screening or requests for additional information. In a worst-case scenario, high-risk cargo may be subject to a “Do Not Load” notice.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Minimal impacts are expected to Canadians, including Canadian businesses and the Canadian economy. The main benefit of this program will be a reduction in the likelihood that cargo that should be prohibited for security reasons will be loaded on an aircraft inbound to Canada, which will help maintain confidence in the Canadian aviation system.

Regulatory cooperation (domestic and international)

On the international stage, Canada is working alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to harmonize its initiative.

Transport Canada helped to establish the Joint Guiding Principles under the auspices of the Joint Working Group for Air Cargo Information, a joint World Cargo Organization-International Civil Aviation Organization working group comprised of international organizations, like-minded nations and industry partners.

Consultations

The proposed changes were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on March 18, 2023 with a 75-day public comment period.

The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in late 2024.

Departmental contact information

Stacey Coburn
Executive Director, Program Development
Aviation Security
Transport Canada
Email: TC.AviationSecurity-Sureteaerienne.TC@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2022

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Aviation Security Enhancement in Alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization Standards) New!

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

This regulatory initiative aims to enhance alignment of aviation security regulatory requirements with international standards, notably International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 17 - Aviation Security, 12th Edition. Projects covered by this regulatory package will include: Security Screeners Certification; Vehicle Identification System; and Sensitive Security Information.

Screener Certification: The proposed regulatory changes would create new requirements for regulated entities who screen for threat items (air carriers, regulated agents, regulated in-flight suppliers) to establish and implement a screener certification program for their employees who screen for threat items.

Vehicle Identification System: The proposed regulatory amendments would create new requirements for the operator of an aerodrome. They would be required to ensure that only authorized vehicles have access to the restricted area at their airport. In doing so, they would be required to implement and maintain a system (e.g., permit) to verify that only vehicles with an operational reason are permitted to enter the restricted area.

Sensitive Security Information: The proposed regulatory amendments aim to introduce a new prerequisite requiring individuals to undergo background checks before gaining access to security-sensitive information. Specifically, these amendments target regulated aviation security entities and establish requirements to define parameters governing the access to and protection of sensitive aviation security information.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Some small businesses may be impacted by the proposed amendments. For example, among the businesses who would incur costs associated with the security screener certification, it is believed that some are small-scale subcontractors. Research is ongoing by Transport Canada to identify the number of impacted small businesses.

Regulatory cooperation (domestic and international)

The proposal is not related to a formal regulatory cooperation forum. The regulatory proposal aims to enhance aviation security in alignment with ICAO requirements.

Consultations

Consultations were conducted with aviation stakeholders for each of the projects covered in this initiative, including aerodrome operators, the Canadian Airports Council, air carriers, and other regulated aviation security entities. Methods of consultations included individual stakeholder meetings as well as the posting of a notice of proposed amendments to all affected stakeholders on Transport Canada’s Secure Supply Chain Information Management System on November 24, 2023.

Transport Canada will continue to conduct consultations with affected stakeholders, as needed, including aerodrome operators, air carriers, and other regulated aviation security entities, throughout the regulatory development process leading up to the publication of the proposed Regulations in Part I of the Canada Gazette, in late 2024 with a 30-day public comment period.

Departmental contact information

Stacey Coburn
Executive Director, Program Development
Aviation Security
Transport Canada
Email: TC.AviationSecurity-Sureteaerienne.TC@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2024

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Interference with a Screening Authority and Non-Passenger Screening) New!

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

  1. Non-Passenger Screening at Class 3 Airports

    The proposed amendments seek to ensure continued alignment with international standards and best practices by regulating Class 3 airports to ensure that non-passenger screening facilities (re: space for screening checkpoints to screen airport workers) are available at Class 3 airports with international operations and that non-passengers (airport workers air carrier personnel) only access the restricted area of an airport through an access point where screening is carried out. Note: these requirements are already in the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012, for Class 1 and Class 2 airports.

  2. Unruly Persons at Screening Checkpoints

    These proposed amendments seek to prohibit interference with the screening authority (re: unruly behaviour) at screening checkpoints. A similar prohibition exists for unruly or dangerous passenger behaviour at boarding in the Canadian Aviation Regulations, 2012.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

  1. Non-Passenger Screening at Class 3 Airports

    There are no expected negative impacts on Canadians or Canadian businesses from the requirement to provide screening facilities for non-passenger screening screen non-passengers at Class 3 airports. No negative impacts expected to any specific groups because of this initiative.

  2. Unruly Persons at Screening Checkpoints

    These administrative amendments will only negatively impact specific individuals who exhibit unruly behavior towards at screening checkpoints.

Regulatory cooperation (domestic and international)

  1. Non-Passenger Screening at Class 3 Airports

    This proposal will better align Canada’s aviation security framework with international standards.

  2. Unruly Persons at Screening Checkpoints

    This proposal will better align the aviation security framework with the domestic civil aviation framework in relation to reducing unruly behaviour at screening checkpoints.

Consultations

  1. Non-Passenger Screening at Class 3 Airports

    Transport Canada consulted aerodrome operators of Class 3 airports and the Canadian Airports Council (CAC) on the 100% non-passenger screening requirements via the Advisory Group on Aviation Security (AGAS), several virtual meetings, as well as during in-person site visits in the spring-summer of 2023. The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in late 2024 with a 30-day public comment period.

  2. Unruly Persons at Screening Checkpoints

    Transport Canada consulted extensively with internal and external stakeholders on the proposed amendments throughout the development of this proposal including through the TC Let’s Talk Transportation platform, as well as through industry working groups with affected stakeholders (the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, air carriers, and aerodromes). The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in late 2024 with a 30-day public comment period.

Departmental contact information

Stacey Coburn
Executive Director, Program Development
Aviation Security
Transport Canada
Email: TC.AviationSecurity-Sureteaerienne.TC@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2024

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Security Management Systems)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The proposed regulatory changes aim to provide a consistent baseline approach for Security Management Systems (SeMS) to all aviation security regulated stakeholders. These changes will result in expanding the current SeMS requirements to modernize them through a universal baseline approach, provide stakeholders with a structured approach to managing security as an integral part of their overall operations, support a more practical, flexible and outcome-based approach to security measures, and ultimately result in consistent application of security management practices that better manage and support aviation security.

The proposed changes will also promote a risk-responsive culture across all regulated entities, which will encourage stakeholders to develop a proactive and flexible approach to adapt to emerging threats and risks.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The impacts of SeMS on Canadians, including Canadian businesses and the economy, is expected to be minimal. The primary benefit of this program will be to ensure robust security awareness by establishing consistent and clear objectives and expected outcomes, reflected in universal baseline requirements for SeMS.

Regulatory cooperation (domestic and international)

No impact is expected.

Consultations

On the international stage, Canada works with its international partners through the International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly and associated working groups by maintaining regular engagement on SeMS.

Domestically, Transport Canada has consulted with stakeholders through the Advisory Group on Aviation Security forum and established working groups, in which stakeholders were consulted on the program requirements and outcome-based approach.

The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in late 2024 with a 30-day public comment period.

Departmental contact information

Stacey Coburn
Executive Director, Program Development
Aviation Security
Transport Canada
Email: TC.AviationSecurity-Sureteaerienne.TC@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2022

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Security Program for Air Carriers and additional provisions for Air Carriers) New!

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Chicago Convention, Annex 17 Standards 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 require that all member states ensure that commercial air carriers (domestic and foreign, operating to and from that state) have a written security program that meets the requirements of Canada's National Civil Aviation Security Program. To better align with international civil aviation standards, Transport Canada is proposing to create the Security Programs for Air Carriers (SPAC), a new regulated security program for certain commercial air carriers. The proposal would include requirements for domestic air carriers to have an Air Operator Security Program, or supplementary station procedures for foreign air carriers.

Pursuant to the Minister’s requirements as per section 4.72 of the Aeronautics Act, this proposal will also make public some disclosable air carrier requirements in the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012. This proposal follows a review of these air carrier requirements and the determination that some are now considered suitable for public disclosure.

Where possible, this proposal would move away from prescriptive requirements and towards more outcome-based requirements, allowing industry and Transport Canada to adapt to emerging security risks quickly and efficiently.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The impacts of the SPAC on Canadians are expected to be minimal. The proposed changes of the SPAC are expected to result in administrative and regulatory costs for air carriers who will be required to implement SPAC but these costs are expected to be medium since most air carriers are already in compliance with the majority of the program requirements, particularly those who fly internationally as they are already following the regulatory requirements established by other countries which are in line with ICAO Standards.

The proposed changes to make public some air carrier requirements disclosable is expected to result in minor administrative and regulatory costs for air carriers affected by their implementation, since most of these requirements already exist and are already being met by air carriers.

Regulatory cooperation (domestic and international)

No impact is expected.

Consultations

This proposal was first discussed with stakeholders in March 2021, at the Advisory Group on Aviation Security (AGAS) meeting, explaining the transition toward an outcome-based approach to regulation. Since then, discussions with partners and stakeholders are ongoing.

Specifically, external consultations were held with pre-selected air carriers (domestic and foreign) and Canadian associations via the creation of the Air Carrier Security Program Working Group (WG) between September 1 to September 20, 2022, for a total of four organized sessions, and engagement continues at AGAS and other related technical committees and working groups.

The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in late 2024 with a 30-day public comment period.

Departmental contact information

Stacey Coburn
Executive Director, Program Development
Aviation Security
Transport Canada
Email: TC.AviationSecurity-Sureteaerienne.TC@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2024

Civil Aviation Initiatives

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Approach Ban)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The proposed regulatory changes would implement prescribed approach visibility minima nationally. Introducing prescribed approach visibility minima in Canada will work to address several Transportation Safety Board recommendations and would achieve safety benefits that are applicable to all operations in Canada. This national approach would allow for a clearer and simpler set of rules for all operators in Canada, while further aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization and international partners.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed changes would impact a number of stakeholders. Transport Canada has identified the following potential impacts on stakeholders so far and understands that stakeholders may identify further impacts as the initiative progresses. Potential impacts may include, but are not limited to:

  • Air Navigation Service Providers – costs of publishing updated aerodrome / airport visibility minima.
  • Canadian commercial air operators, private operators, and general aviation pilots – costs to revise their procedures with respect to approach in low visibility conditions.
  • Canadian aerodrome / airport operators – costs to voluntarily provide or upgrade their facilities / systems should they wish to marginally lower their published prescribed visibility by upgrading to high intensity approach lighting.
  • Canadian commercial air operators holding special authorizations under Subparts 703, 704 or 705 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations – will no longer be eligible for up to a 50% reduction in published visibility minima. They will be required to adhere to the same visibility minima as other international operators.
  • Canadian commercial pilots – reduced pilot’s workload in determining the actual minima for an approach due to simplified approach criteria.
  • General aviation pilots who conduct instrument approach procedures.
  • The travelling public – enhanced safety margins during flights in lower visibility conditions.
  • Aviation industry – harmonized regulations with other civil aviation authorities.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

Implementing a prescribed visibility minima requirement nationally will harmonize Canada with the International Civil Aviation Organization standard, which has been adopted by most civil aviation authorities worldwide, including the United States Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

Consultations

A Preliminary Issue and Consultation Assessment was shared through the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council for a two-month consultation period (November 23, 2017, to January 22, 2018). Comments were received from NAV CANADA (Air Transport Association of Canada, Air Canada Pilot’s Association (ACPA), the Northern Air Transport Association, the Helicopter Association of Canada, the National Airlines Association of Canada, and the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration). Transport Canada led a two-hour participatory discussion on this topic with industry representatives on November 16, 2020.

Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) 2021 – 011 was released via the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council process for an intended 12-week consultation period (from July 6 to September 28, 2021) and was extended to October 15 as a result of the federal election. On October 7, 2021, before the close of the consultations, Transport Canada held a Questions and Answers session with Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council members who were interested in asking questions or making comments on the NPA before the close of the consultation period. The consultations have now closed, but the NPA is available online.

The feedback on the NPA was highly supportive of the initiative, with some concerns about the potential impact on various operations. Stakeholders agree that the Regulations ought to be brought in line with international partners to the best degree possible, and that the Regulations should be simpler to understand and apply. A detailed risk analysis is underway to ensure that there are no unexpected impacts to stakeholders.

The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in mid-2025 with a 30-day public comment period.

Departmental contact information

Steve Palisek
Acting Director, Aviation Safety Regulatory Affairs Branch
Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
Email: steve.palisek@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2021

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (International Civil Aviation Organization Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme - Miscellaneous Amendments) New!

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The proposed regulatory changes would serve as corrective actions to address minor administrative and low impact issues identified through the recent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit. This includes the codification of various common industry practices, alignment between sections of the regulations, and implementation of ICAO terminology and standards.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed changes are administrative in nature and are expected to have low or no impact on Canadians and businesses.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

All changes in this proposal are designed to improve alignment with international standards in order to meet the requirements of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. This would enhance international recognition of Canada’s civil aviation industry and facilitate smoother international collaborations and partnerships fostering growth in the sector.

Consultations

Transport Canada plans to distribute a Notice of Proposed Amendment in mid-2024 through the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council process to seek feedback from industry.

Transport Canada plans to publish the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in early 2025.

Departmental contact information

Steve Palisek
Acting Director, Aviation Safety Regulatory Affairs Branch
Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
Email: steve.palisek@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2024

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Part I and II – Aircraft ID, Registration, Operation of a Leased Aircraft by a Non-Registered Owner, and Charges)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

This regulatory initiative is part of Transport Canada’s Transportation Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap, and would make administrative updates and address irritants and shortcomings that exist in Part II of the Regulations. The proposed amendments would also update the charges in CAR 104 Schedule II – Aircraft Registration as part of Transport Canada’s Fee Modernization Initiative. Both initiatives will leverage the same regulatory process.

The proposed regulatory changes would ensure Transport Canada remains a world-class regulator and continues to drive the Canadian economy. This proposal is part of Transport Canada’s carefully considered transformation strategy that has been launched to modernize the way programs and services are delivered to better serve Canadians. As part of this transformation strategy, Transport Canada launched the Aviation Safety Regulatory Review initiative to modernize the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

The goal of the initiative is to make the regulations more agile and coherent. Also, where appropriate, Transport Canada will use a risk-based approach to Part II of the Regulations to reduce the amount of administrative work for regulated entities and the Department.

The Fee Modernization Initiative aims to review existing fees that have not been updated in over 20 years and to introduce new fees for services that have long been delivered free of charge. With these updates, Transport Canada will implement a modern fee regime that will rebalance the cost between the service beneficiaries and the Canadian taxpayers, and allow continuous improvement of service delivery to keep pace with industry needs.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed changes would apply to entities already regulated under Part II of the Canadian Aviation Regulations — registered aircraft owners, persons operating aircrafts and aircraft manufacturers.

The travelling Canadian public is not directly impacted by the proposed changes. The impact will be on aircraft owners and aircraft manufacturers to give them more flexibility and clarity about:

  • Transport Canada’s shift to electronic documentation;
  • manufacturer’s use of registration marks;
  • the process of registering an aircraft;
  • the regulations pertaining to identification plates; and
  • determining the custody and control of an aircraft.

There would also be an impact on individuals and entities that register aircraft as a result of the fee modernization for aircraft registration services.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

A number of changes in this proposal would support Canada’s alignment with international requirements. For example, one amendment would align the Canadian Aviation Regulations with Standards under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 7, which requires States not to issue registration marks that are considered confusing or that are prohibited by ICAO. The proposal would also include a provision to make the Regulations compliant with a new ICAO Annex 7 Standard requiring Transport Canada to issue a Certificate of Deregistration when an aircraft is duly removed from the Canadian registry and the Certificate of Registration is cancelled.

Transport Canada also conducted an international comparison to inform the proposed aircraft registration fees.

Consultations

Transport Canada used the Let’s Talk Modernizing the Canadian Aviation Regulations webpage as a tool to consult broadly with industry and the Canadian public on irritants relating to Part II of the Regulations. A “What We Heard” report was published in November 2019.

The Department has also hosted a series of multi-disciplinary task team meetings, consisting of regional and headquarters subject matter experts, as well as industry subject matter experts. The task team provided a horizontal examination of the irritants to inform the way forward.

Transport Canada will distribute Notices of Proposed Amendments through the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council process to seek further feedback from affected stakeholders on the proposed changes.

The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in mid-2025 with a 30-day public comment period.

Departmental contact information

Steve Palisek
Acting Director, Aviation Safety Regulatory Affairs Branch
Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
Email: steve.palisek@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2019

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Parts I and IV – Approved Training Organizations)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The proposed regulatory changes would introduce the elements needed to certify Canadian-approved training organizations. The organizations will be responsible for conducting training to issue pilot licences, permits or ratings.

The goal of the proposed changes would be to make sure that Canadian regulations for training organizations follow the International Civil Aviation Organization standards.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Anyone interested in becoming an approved training organization to provide training to issue a pilot’s licence, permit or rating may be impacted. Current flight training units may want to become approved training organizations.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

No impact is expected. The proposed changes would comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s international standards for approved training organizations.

Consultations

The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in late 2025 with a 30-day public comment period.

Departmental contact information

Steve Palisek
Acting Director, Aviation Safety Regulatory Affairs Branch
Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
Email: steve.palisek@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2014

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Parts I, III, IV and VI to VIII - Air Navigation Services)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The proposed regulatory changes would ensure Transport Canada remains a world-class regulator and continues to drive the Canadian economy. In developing this proposal, Transport Canada carefully considered its transformation strategy, which was launched to modernize the way programs and services are delivered to better serve Canadians. As part of this transformation strategy, Transport Canada launched the Aviation Safety Regulatory Review Initiative to modernize the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Transport Canada is proposing these changes to:

  • facilitate adoption of new / innovative technologies for providing certain air navigation services;
  • address Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations’ concerns with subpart 4 (aviation weather services) of the Regulations;
  • clarify the type of services provided by air traffic controllers, in different classes of airspace;
  • clarify the applicable standards for providing air navigation services in domestic Canadian airspace, as well as in the airspace for which Canada, by way of an international agreement, has accepted to provide such services; and
  • respond to the revision of the Canadian Domestic Air Traffic Control Separation Standards, as well as create new provisions to clearly identify the relevant sections of the revised standard for different types of separation.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed changes would apply to NAV CANADA and anyone that provides air navigation services in Canada.

It is expected that stakeholders will benefit from the proposed changes, as they facilitate the adoption and use of emerging technologies, as well as the application of related standards by clearly distinguishing air traffic control services from other air navigation services.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

The proposed changes would harmonize regulatory requirements with the International Civil Aviation Organization and Federal Aviation Administration. These changes would improve the international recognition of the safety of Canada’s civil aviation industry and boost the international competitiveness of the industry.

Consultations

In August 2021, Transport Canada published a Notice of Proposed Amendment through the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council process, with a 30-day public comment period, looking for stakeholder input on the proposed changes.

The proposed changes were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on December 9, 2023, with a 30-day public comment period.

Transport Canada plans to publish the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in early 2025.

Departmental contact information

Steve Palisek
Acting Director, Aviation Safety Regulatory Affairs Branch
Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
Email: steve.palisek@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2019

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Part I, III, V, VI, VII, and VIII – Safety Management Systems)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The proposed regulatory changes aim to consolidate existing safety management system regulations in Part I, III, V, VI, VII, and VIII under Part I, and introduce requirements for aircraft design and manufacturers to have safety management systems.

The objectives of the proposed changes are to harmonize and improve compliance with Canadian safety management system requirements, and to ensure compliance of Canadian regulations with International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommended Practices in Annex 19 of the Chicago Convention.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed changes are expected to impact Canadians by requiring aircraft design and manufacturers to develop and implement safety management systems, and improving capacity for regulatory compliance through improved clarity and user-friendliness of Canadian regulations.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

These changes will ensure alignment of the Canadian regulations with International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommended Practices in Annex 19 of the Chicago Convention.

Consultations

The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in late-2025 with a 30-day public comment period.

Departmental contact information

Steve Palisek
Acting Director, Aviation Safety Regulatory Affairs Branch
Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
Email: steve.palisek@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2022

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Part I, V, VI, and VII – General Aviation)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The proposed regulatory changes would ensure Transport Canada remains a world-class regulator and continues to drive the Canadian economy. This proposal is part of Transport Canada’s carefully considered transformation strategy that has been launched to modernize the way programs and services are delivered to better serve Canadians.

As part of this transformation strategy, Transport Canada launched the Aviation Safety Regulatory Review Initiative to modernize the Canadian Aviation Regulations. More specifically, this proposal will focus on irritants related to general aviation.

This proposal would update and introduce new regulations regarding balloon, ultra-light, parachute, and hang-glider operations. It also aims to relocate existing regulations to better align with the special operations in Part VI of the Regulations.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed changes would apply to aircraft categories that fall under the purview of general aviation, such as parachute, balloon, hang-glider, and ultra-lights. Transport Canada will assess the impacts as part of the regulatory development process.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

No impact is expected.

Consultations

Transport Canada has used the Let’s Talk Modernizing the Canadian Aviation Regulations webpage as a tool to consult broadly with industry and the Canadian public on the topic of general aviation. In April 2023, Transport Canada asked for feedback on how Transport Canada can enhance, improve, or modernize regulations related to general aviation, with a focus on balloon, hang-glider, ultralight, and parachute operations. A “What We Heard” report was posted in July 2023.

Transport Canada is also considering creating a multidisciplinary task team with internal and external subject matter experts to validate the issues raised and proposed solutions.

Transport Canada also plans to distribute a Notice of Proposed Amendment through the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council process to seek further feedback from affected stakeholders on the proposed changes once they have been developed.

Transport Canada is currently reviewing the regulations and will establish a calendar once the review and analysis are completed.

Departmental contact information

Steve Palisek
Acting Director, Aviation Safety Regulatory Affairs Branch
Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
Email: steve.palisek@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2023

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Personnel Licensing and Training)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The proposed regulatory changes would ensure Transport Canada remains a world-class regulator and continues to drive the Canadian economy. This proposal is part of Transport Canada’s carefully considered transformation strategy that has been launched to modernize the way programs and services are delivered to better serve Canadians.

As part of this transformation strategy, Transport Canada launched the Aviation Safety Regulatory Review Initiative to modernize the Canadian Aviation Regulations. The amendments in this proposal are focused on the personnel licensing and training theme.

Through this proposal, Transport Canada would modernize the Canadian Aviation Regulations by amending provisions that could be perceived as ambiguous; clarifying existing requirements; and addressing the inconsistent use of certain terminology. This proposal would also address issues raised by the Standing Joint Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations, and a recommendation from the Transportation Safety Board (A16-09). These proposed amendments are expected to enhance aviation safety and reduce administrative burden for industry and for Transport Canada.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed changes would apply to all pilots and flight schools. Transport Canada will assess the impacts as part of the regulatory development process.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

No impact is expected.

Consultations

Transport Canada has used the Let’s Talk Modernizing the Canadian Aviation Regulations webpage as a tool to consult broadly with industry and the Canadian public. A “What We Heard” Report was published in November 2020.

A multidisciplinary task team meeting was hosted by Transport Canada to validate the issues and proposed solutions. The task team consisted of regional and headquarters subject matter experts, as well as industry subject matter experts. The task team provided a horizontal examination of the irritants to inform the way forward.

Transport Canada also distributed a Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA 2022-001) in February of 2022 through the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council process to seek further feedback from affected stakeholders on the proposed changes.

The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in early 2024 with a 30-day public comment period.

Departmental contact information

Steve Palisek
Acting Director, Aviation Safety Regulatory Affairs Branch
Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
Email: steve.palisek@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: August 2020

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (RPAS – Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight and Other Operations)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

This regulatory initiative is part of Transport Canada’s Transportation Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap.

The proposed regulatory changes would seek to enable routine visual line-of-sight operations with larger remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), as well routine lower risk beyond visual line-of-sight operations without the requirement to obtain a Special Flight Operations Certificate. Examples include low-level operations in uncontrolled airspace and outside of population centers. They also include new requirements related to pilot certification, airworthiness, and procedural requirements.

As part of Transport Canada’s Regulatory Review Initiative, a lack of regulations for beyond visual line-of-sight operations was identified as an irritant by the RPAS industry. To address this, and as part of Transport Canada’s commitment to regulatory modernization, the Department has accelerated the development of regulations for lower risk beyond visual line-of-sight operations to keep pace with rapidly emerging technologies and capabilities of remotely piloted aircraft systems.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed changes would apply to Canadian remotely piloted aircraft systems pilots and companies conducting business in Canada, as well as manufacturers of RPAS. This proposal would also update existing service fees and introduce new fees for the new services that would be provided to the RPAS sector.

The changes will provide a predictable regulatory framework and replace the requirement to obtain a Special Flight Operations Certificate for certain lower risk beyond visual line-of-sight operations, which will make it easier to carry out these operations on a routine basis.

As part of the regulatory development process, Transport Canada will assess impacts on Canadians, including businesses.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

The proposed changes will create more flexibility for stakeholders and support a growing economic sector.

The Department continues to work with our international partners, such as:

  • the United States;
  • Australia;
  • Brazil;
  • the European Union Aviation Safety Agency;
  • the International Civil Aviation Organization; and
  • the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems.

Transport Canada will look for areas to harmonize its regulations with international counterparts when it is feasible.

Consultations

Transport Canada published the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 24, 2023, with a 90-day public comment period.

Transport Canada plans to publish the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in late 2024.

Departmental contact information

Ryan Coates
Director, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Task Force
Transport Canada
Email: ryan.coates@tc.gc.ca

Jeannie Stewart-Smith
Manager, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Task Force
Transport Canada
Email: jeannie.stewart-smith@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2019

Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Various Amendments, 2023)

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C, 1985, c. A-2)

Description

The proposed regulatory changes would clarify regulatory texts, remove redundancies, increase alignment with the International Civil Aviation Organization practices, correct inconsistencies between the French and English versions of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), and address issues identified by the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations. The proposed amendments would also codify into regulations longstanding global exemptions that have been issued over the years, including some that have been issued as temporary reliefs to support industry recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed regulatory amendments would apply to Canadian air operators and carriers. This proposal would represent a house cleaning phase of the modernization of the CARs by addressing non-controversial issues with low or no impact on stakeholders. The anticipated outcome of the proposed changes include:

  • Reduced number of exemptions issued, thereby reducing the time and resources invested in processing and applying for exemptions by TC Civil Aviation and regulated entities, respectively;
  • Enhanced consistency in the use of terminology and thus interpretation of regulatory requirements, which would improve compliance and therefore safety; and
  • Improved consistency between the English and the French versions of regulatory requirements, which would eliminate any language-related interpretational differences, improve compliance with the Regulations and Canada’s language laws.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

The proposed changes are expected to enhance alignment of regulatory requirements with international standards, which would enhance international recognition of the safety of Canada’s civil aviation industry and boost the international competitiveness of the industry.

Consultations

A Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) was distributed via the Canadian Aviation Regulatory Advisory Council in Fall 2022. As an existing consultation process, the NPA notified and solicited feedback from affected stakeholders and sought out comments on proposed changes. A second NPA was distributed in Spring 2023.

Transport Canada plans to publish the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in late 2024.

Departmental contact information

Steve Palisek
Acting Director, Aviation Safety Regulatory Affairs Branch
Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
Email: steve.palisek@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2023

Report a problem with this page

Date modified: