The Transportation Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap Policy and Program Initiatives and Novel Approaches

From: Transport Canada

The Transportation Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap’s Policy and Program Initiatives and Novel Approaches web page provides details on non-regulatory initiatives put forward by Transport Canada to address issues and bottlenecks identified during the Regulatory Review. While these novel approaches do not necessarily advance specific regulatory amendments, they are designed to: improve clarity and guidance, facilitate compliance, enhance stakeholder engagement, and encourage testing of innovative approaches to address complex issues.

Policy and Program Initiatives are:

Novel Approaches are:

Policy and Program Initiatives

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)

Introducing online licensing and examinations for remotely piloted aircraft systems

There is a need for digitization of service delivery and business processes to foster innovation and investment.

Approach: Transport Canada introduced an automated platform, composed of online portals, that provides services to the public for remotely piloted aircraft systems operating within visual line-of-sight:

Benefits: This online platform improves service delivery and business processes for the Canadian public and the industry. It also enhances timeliness and efficiency, while reducing costs associated with administrative burden, promotes clarity and certainty within the regulatory framework for remotely piloted aircraft systems, and provides data pertaining to remotely piloted aircraft systems to Transport Canada.

Key Milestones:

  • Implementation of the digital platform in January 2019.
  • Publication of the Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) introducing regulatory amendments for remotely piloted aircraft systems weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms and operating within visual line-of-sight in Canada Gazette, Part II, in January 2019.
  • Launch of a safety campaign beginning with publication of the new regulations and ongoing throughout the coming into force period.
  • Delivery of national information sessions on the new regulations in over 10 cities across Canada.

Department Contact Information:

Félix Meunier
Director, Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Transport Canada
(613) 998-9317
Felix.meunier@tc.gc.ca

Marine Safety

Supporting digital service delivery and harmonization under the Marine Safety and Security Service Delivery Modernization Initiative

There is a need for the digitization of service delivery, and alignment with international best practices and conventions to foster innovation and investment in Canada.

Approach: The proposed Marine Safety and Security Service Delivery Modernization initiative’s objective is to modernize service delivery practices and processes. Through this proposed initiative, Transport Canada is moving from manual and burdensome paper-based processes to automated and digitized client centred processes. Services delivered under various marine sector programs will be examined to improve the delivery of services and improve burdensome processes involving outdated technology. Examined marine programs include:

  • Small and Large Vessel Registry;
  • Marine Medical Certification;
  • Seafarer Credentialing;
  • Pleasure Craft Operating Competency Program; and
  • Marine Products Approval Program.

Benefits: The Marine Service Delivery Modernization initiative proposes to improve digitization allowing information to flow more quickly and efficiently between Transport Canada, industry and the Canadian public. This approach will also increase the efficiency of data collection for evidence-based policy, remove data duplication, and strengthen reporting capabilities in the marine sector.

Cooperation Implications: The modernization of service delivery and programs will involve negotiation and cooperation with other jurisdictions for programs involved with international markets.

Key Milestones: The proposed Marine Safety and Security Service Delivery Modernization initiative will be implemented over a three-year period:

  • Year 2019-2020: Strategic planning and initiate transition of certain programs to digitized processes.
  • Year 2020-2021: Continue strategic planning; complete digitization of several processes and complete select program reviews.
  • Year 2021-2022: Complete project planning and proposal development and finalize international agreements.

Department Contact Information

Luc Brisebois
Executive Director, Policy, Regulatory and International Affairs, Marine Safety & Security
Transport Canada
613-998-0600
Luc.brisebois@tc.gc.ca

Automated Vehicles and Connected Vehicles (AV/CV)

Introducing flexible policy frameworks for automated vehicle and connected vehicle (AV/CV) technology

Transport Canada needs to adopt a flexible, non-regulatory, and innovation-friendly approach to automated vehicle and connected vehicle technology. Stakeholders indicated that certain automated vehicle and connected vehicle technologies are not covered in the existing regulations and, therefore, mentioned the need for policy direction and a framework to provide certainty for industry and maintain a high level of safety for Canadians.

Approach: Transport Canada is undertaking federal/provincial/territorial policies and activities to coordinate and align automated vehicle and connected vehicle technology in Canada. These policies and activities promote safety, information exchange, and public awareness on automated vehicles and connected vehicles, and include:

Benefits: These flexible policies move away from “one-size-fits-all” and prescriptive rules. They provide a clear vision for the safety of automated vehicle and connected vehicle technology.

Cooperation Implications: Transport Canada will continue collaborating with provinces and territories, industry, and academia on the development of guidance to support the safe and secure testing and deployment of automated vehicles and connected vehicles. Continued efforts will seek to align with international counterparts, including the United States, to better facilitate both interoperability and international competitiveness.

Key Milestones: Timelines have been identified for some of Transport Canada’s policies on automated vehicles and connected vehicles:

Department Contact Information:

Michael DeJong
Director General, Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
613-998-7851
Michael.dejong@tc.gc.ca

Enhancing harmonization, coordination and collaboration for automated vehicle and connected vehicle (AV/CV)

There is a need for harmonization, collaboration and coordination due to the complexities of cross‑jurisdictional responsibilities for motor vehicle safety in Canada. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of aligning automated vehicle and connected vehicle requirements across provinces, territories and municipalities throughout Canada, as well as with major trade partners such as the United States. Stakeholders indicated that collaboration between Transport Canada and industry, academic and other stakeholders is essential to ensure that regulatory approaches support safety and innovation in the transportation sector.

Approach: Transport Canada launched many initiatives to improve international harmonization, internal and multi-jurisdictional coordination and external collaboration in the automated vehicle and connected vehicle sector.

Internal Coordination:

Transport Canada is collaborating with other federal departments and agencies to implement:

  • A federal task team to develop a coordinated government-wide approach to automated vehicles and connected vehicles led by Transport Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
  • The task team will establish an Advisory Group (composed of Transport Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, provinces and territories, key stakeholders in the automotive sectors, academia, and other non-government organizations) to guide the development of a Federal Automated Vehicle and Connected Vehicle Strategy.

Multi-Jurisdictional Coordination:

Transport Canada is working with other Canadian jurisdictions to introduce:

International Harmonization:

Transport Canada is implementing many strategies to align with global best practices, such as:

  • Work on automated vehicle and connected vehicle safety requirements in areas such as testing, policies, regulatory frameworks, standards, and non-regulatory tools, to encourage automated vehicle and connected vehicle testing and deployment in Canada;
  • Work on a bilateral basis with various countries to share best practices and lessons learned;
  • Participation in international fora, including United Nations working groups; and
  • Involvement in the Regulatory Cooperation Council to identify joint initiatives for advancing cross-border collaboration on automated vehicles and connected vehicles and alignment efforts with the United States.

External collaboration:

Transport Canada is collaborating with industry, such as:

  • The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), which includes representation from all provincial and territorial governments, to coordinate matters such as administration, regulation, and control of motor vehicle transportation and highway safety;
  • The Transportation Association of Canada, to establish consistent approaches across municipal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions on infrastructure design and roadway signage; and
  • The automotive industry, to advance the development of testing, regulations, policies, standards and non-regulatory tools, and facilitate novel approaches for automated vehicles and connected vehicles, including truck platooning test pilot (refer to section entitled Cooperative Truck Platooning Pilot Project).

Benefits: These initiatives will harmonize requirements for automated vehicles and connected vehicles to travel safely across jurisdictions, and align the regulations across Canadian and American jurisdictions. This alignment will also simplify the introduction of emerging technologies by improving trade, reducing costs for industry, and helping drive competitiveness and innovation.

Collaboration and involvement with industry will clarify regulatory requirements for industry and other stakeholders, and identify future direction for emerging technologies. These efforts will facilitate the safe introduction and use of automated vehicles and connected vehicles for the benefit of all road users, and provide Canadian manufacturers with the opportunity to take advantage of economies of scale.

Cooperation Implications: These initiatives have cooperation implications for Canadian provinces, territories and municipalities, and the United States through the Regulatory Cooperation Council, and other federal departments and agencies.

Key Milestones: Timelines have been identified for some of Transport Canada’s initiatives on automated vehicles and connected vehicles:

Department Contact Information:

Ryan Klomp
Director, Multi-Modal Technology Development Research and Testing
Transport Canada
(613) 513-7012
Ryan.klomp@tc.gc.ca

Michael DeJong
Director General, Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
613-998-7851
Michael.dejong@tc.gc.ca

Introducing the Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program to support national alignment across jurisdictions on road safety issues including automated vehicles and connected vehicles (AV/CVs)

Motor vehicle stakeholders have expressed the need for a consistent application of the National Safety Code. Given the shared jurisdiction for road safety, stakeholders have indicated the need for national coordination to ensure that new policies and regulations for the automated vehicle and connected vehicle sector are aligned and foster emerging technologies, as well as international and intergovernmental trade and investment.

Approach: Transport Canada is proposing the implementation of an Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program to promote automated vehicle and connected vehicle safety and to support provincial and territorial implementation of regulations and policies on automated vehicles and connected vehicles. Grants and Contributions will help provinces and territories implement best practices, policies, regulations and programs, developed in collaboration with stakeholders, in a consistent manner across Canada. Grants and Contributions will also help provinces and territories address trade barriers and national road safety challenges, such as the consistent application of the National Safety Code, data collection, the implementation of electronic logging devices in motor carriers across jurisdictions, and entry level training for commercial motor vehicle drivers across Canada.

Benefits: The Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program will bolster the capacity of provinces and territories to implement regulatory and innovative policy initiatives that: minimize road safety risks; promote internal and international trade and economic growth; reduce administrative burden; and facilitate reporting for international motor carriers operating in Canada and the United States. The program will encourage the involvement of provinces, territories and stakeholders in the development of regulatory and non-regulatory measures for automated vehicles and connected vehicles.

Cooperation Implications: Transport Canada will work with Canadian provinces and territories.

International best practices and United States’ requirements will also inform regulatory and non-regulatory measures developed under this program.

Key Milestones: The Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program will be conducted over a three-year period:

  • Years 2019-2021: Calls for proposals from non-government stakeholders for automated vehicle and connected vehicle safety and other emerging vehicle technologies; and from provinces and territories for automated vehicle and connected vehicle safety, emerging technologies, commercial motor vehicle safety, and vehicle data collection.
  • Year 2021-2022: Calls for proposals from provinces and territories to scale up model policies associated with automated vehicle and connected vehicle safety, other emerging vehicle technologies, motor carrier safety, and motor vehicle data collection.

Department Contact Information:

Michael DeJong
Director General, Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
613-998-7851
Michael.dejong@tc.gc.ca

Enhancing clarity in automated vehicle and connected vehicle (AV/CV) requirements and motor vehicle safety

There is a need for more clarity and certainty within the regulatory framework on automated vehicles and connected vehicles. Stakeholders mentioned concerns regarding resources and costs that may be required for industry to ensure compliance with new regulatory requirements.

Approach: Transport Canada has developed guidance and agreements to help industry, provinces and territories integrate modernized processes designed to facilitate the adoption of automated vehicles and connected vehicles in Canada, such as:

Benefits: The approaches will enhance Canada’s ability to adopt emerging vehicle technologies while helping to ensure that overall safety is not diminished. In particular, the exemptions process provides clear requirements for exemptions to industry and the Canadian public. It introduced timeliness for the exemption processes, reduce administrative costs, and is transparent to industry.

Key Milestones:

  • 2019-2020:
  • Transport Canada has consulted with external stakeholders on the Process for Seeking Exemptions from Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Publication of the process took place in May 2019.
  • Transport Canada will seek to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with industry on the adoption of Automatic Emergency Braking by winter 2019. Additional Memoranda of Understanding will be subject to further research to identify promising safety technologies and practices, and discussions with industry.

Department Contact Information:

Michael DeJong
Director General, Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
613-998-7851
Michael.dejong@tc.gc.ca

Digitizing services for automated vehicle and connected vehicle (AV/CV) and motor vehicle safety

Digitization of business processes and service delivery for automated vehicles and connected vehicles will foster innovation and investment. A digital infrastructure will allow testing of automated vehicle and connected vehicle technologies.

Approach: Transport Canada is working on initiatives that will modernize and digitize its services, such as:

  • The Process for Seeking Exemptions from Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to facilitate industry’s requests for exemptions and make service delivery more efficient (refer to the Transportation Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap section entitled Enhancing clarity in automated vehicle and connected vehicle (AV/CV) requirements and motor vehicle safety for more information on the initiative);
  • An updated Government of Canada Web presence for automated vehicle and connected vehicle safety;
  • The Automated Vehicle and Connected Vehicle Gateway, a publicly accessible online policy hub for government and industry engagement and collaboration;
  • A Security Credential Management System (SCMS) for connected vehicles across North American borders to exchange data and maintain a safe environment for automated vehicle and connected vehicle technology, while protecting personal privacy; and
  • Developing Cyber Security Guidance Specific to automated vehicles and connected vehicles, which will support industry in ensuring that cyber security practices are incorporated into the design, testing and deployment of these vehicles.

Benefits: Transport Canada’s digitization of services through online platforms will improve service delivery for Canadians. The Security Credential Management System will allow industry to design connected vehicles while following harmonized standards between Canada and the United States, and reduce manufacturing costs.

Cooperation Implications: Transport Canada is collaborating with the United States Department of Transportation on the Security Credential Management System to facilitate alignment of connected vehicle technology.

Key Milestones:

  • 2019-2020:
    • The Automated Vehicle and Connected Vehicle Gateway is anticipated to be available for public access in spring 2019.
    • Publication of the Process for Seeking Exemptions from Canada Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards occurred in spring 2019.
    • Cyber Security Guidance for automated vehicles and connected vehicles, anticipated publication in fall 2019.
    • Transport Canada submitted a proposal request for the analysis and development of the Security Credential Management System for the project’s first phase. Phase I will target the development of planning documents for a small-scale security credential management system in Canada. This request for proposal contract would run until March 2020.

Department Contact Information

Michael DeJong
Director General, Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
613-998-7851
Michael.dejong@tc.gc.ca

Civil Aviation

Proposing ministerial orders for the Minister of Transport under the Aeronautics Act

Stakeholders indicated that provisions in the Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) prescribe specific technologies or processes that are now outdated. As technology in the aviation sector evolves rapidly, stakeholders mentioned the need for more flexibility within the regulatory framework.

Approach: Transport Canada will seek Governor in Council approval for ministerial orders for the Minister of Transport under the Aeronautics Act. In the proposal, the Minister of Transport’s authority will be limited to: innovation, certification, operational, urgent Transportation Safety Board recommendations affecting safety and urgent safety requirements affecting Canadian Aviation Document holders.

Benefits: The proposed ministerial orders will provide more flexibility to the Minister of Transport in areas that are constantly evolving and require timely rule-making. For example, the authority could be used to support testing of innovative approaches and emerging technologies in a controlled environment before formal certification and implementation. The authority could also be extended to support the use of innovative technologies for flight training and help address the labour shortage in the aviation industry, while ensuring the safety and security of the Canadian public.

Key Milestones:

  • 2019-2020: Transport Canada will be seeking Governor in Council approval.

Department Contact Information:

Marcia George
Director, Aviation Safety Regulatory Review
Transport Canada
613-998-5238
Marcia.george@tc.gc.ca

Addressing labour shortage in the aviation sector by amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations to promote flexibility

Latest estimates from industry partners and Government research suggests an overall trend toward a labour shortage in the Canadian transportation sector by 2025, especially with respect to aviation. Stakeholders have stated that using technology for training and more modern and flexible approaches would help address labour shortage in the aviation sector.

Approach: Transport Canada is working closely with stakeholders, including Indigenous organizations, all levels of government, women’s organizations, and private sector partners to identify solutions. To build momentum, Transport Canada will leverage these collaborative stakeholder relationships to identify and showcase potential solutions. Transport Canada proposes to review the Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) with a view to including the use of emerging technologies and best practices in flight training.

Benefits: Transport Canada’s approach will help address labour shortage in the aviation sector and improve regulatory flexibility by allowing modern approaches to flight training.

Key Milestones:

  • A meeting was held between the Minister of Transport, industry and the First Nations Technical Initiative in August 2018; and
  • Transport Canada hosted an Aviation Labour Shortage Forum, with stakeholders in October 2018.
  • Year 2019-2020:
    • Continue to participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) New Generation of Aviation Professionals Taskforce.
    • Continue to work with an external advisory committee on partnership approaches to increase the number of women and Indigenous People in the aviation industry.
    • Initiation of the review of the Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Regulations (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) under the Aviation Labour Shortage initiative.

Department Contact Information:

Patrick Juneau
Director, Policy and Regulatory Services
Transport Canada
613-949-3485
Patrick.juneau@tc.gc.ca

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA)

Updating regulations for aviation and rail under the Regulatory Modernization Initiative

There is a need to update the regulations for which the Canadian Transportation Agency is responsible, in order to ensure that they keep pace with existing and emerging business practices, improve clarity and reduce administrative burden.

Approach: The Canadian Transportation Agency is conducting a Regulatory Modernization Initiative. The initiative encompasses four components: Accessible Transportation (Part 1), Air Transportation Regulations (Part 2), Air Passenger Protection Regulations (Part 3), and Rail Transportation (Part 4). Parts 2 and 4 of the initiative are included in the Transportation Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap. These parts involve updating regulations to foster innovation and investment for industry:

  • Part 2 of the Regulatory Modernization Initiative amends the Air Transportation Regulations to reflect changes in the domestic and international industry and support a competitive and efficient industry that protects the public interest. The amendments modernize air insurance provisions; amend charter provisions to reflect market realities; clarify code-sharing and wet‑leasing activities, and amend provisions to reduce burden; reduce burden on licensed operators; and address other housekeeping Items;
  • Part 4 of the Regulatory Modernization Initiative amends rail-related regulations, guidance materials and tools based on legislative changes made through the Transportation Modernization Act; the Canadian Transportation Agency's experience in administering the current regulations; and input received during consultations with stakeholders, experts and the Canadian public.

Benefits: The Canadian Transportation Agency’s modernization of the Air Transportation Regulations and rail-related regulations will reduce barriers to innovation and investment by eliminating or amending provisions that no longer reflect current industry practices and create administrative and regulatory burdens on industry.

Key Milestones:

  • Year 2019-2020: Part 2 of the Regulatory Modernization Initiative amending the Air Transportation Regulations: the proposed regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part I on December 22, 2018 and implementation is expected in 2019; and
  • Year 2019-2020: Part 4 of the Regulatory Modernization Initiative updating the rail transportation regulations and guidance materials: consultations closed in September 2018 and the proposed regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part I on March 30, 2019. Implementation is expected in 2019.

Department Contact Information:

Marcia Jones
Chief Strategy Officer
Canadian Transportation Agency
819-953-0327
Marcia.jones@otc-cta.gc.ca

Additional Issues

Enhancing digitization across the transportation sector

Stakeholders across the transportation sectors identified the need for digitization in service delivery and business processes to keep pace with rapidly changing industry, and to foster innovation and investment.

Approach: To help industry across the transportation sector, Transport Canada is modernizing and digitizing many of its information technology (IT) projects, for example:

  • The TC Analog to Digital Transformation is introducing digital services and platforms to reduce administrative burden;
  • myTC Account will move delivery of services to an online digital platform with common capabilities, allow onboarding of all Transport Canada services over time, and provide digital and user-centred services;
  • The Security Reliability Clearance Control System supports the Aviation Transportation Security Clearance Program, the Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program and the federal government employee’s Policy on Government Security by streamlining and automating information exchanges, nationally and internationally;
  • The Multimodal Personnel Document Issuance System consolidates and updates the issuance processes for certificates granted to industry;
  • The Medical Information System provides medical assessment services to the aeronautical and marine industries;
  • The Civil Aviation Online Payment Services is being updated to include eighteen civil aviation services;
  • myTC Oversight provides inspectors with a digital platform and mobile tools; and
  • The Multimodal Enforcement Reporting System will facilitate analysis based on data assets and support enforcement-related decisions and requests.

Benefits: These digital initiatives will provide services quickly and effectively to the industry and the Canadian public, and foster innovation and investment.

Key Milestones: Timelines have been identified for some of Transport Canada’s information technology (IT) projects:

  • myTC Account:
    • Year 2018-2019: Transport Canada will launch and research the digital platform services look into expanding portal features based on common capabilities (e‑signature, address validation and payment) and ensure availability of additional services on myTC Account.
    • Year 2019-2022: Transport Canada will collaborate with businesses to identify high-impact services and integrate key services.
  • The Multimodal Personnel Document Issuance System and Medical Information System were completed in 2018-2019.
  • myTC Oversight :
    • Year 2018-2019: Transport Canada will deploy tablets to regional inspectors and work on new development processes and enhancements.
    • Year 2019-2022: Transport Canada will integrate key processes along with relevant reference material onto myTC Oversight and collaborate with businesses to ensure readiness.
  • Transport Canada is offering end-to-end digital service delivery by 2025.

Department Contact Information:

Carl Lévesque
Director, Change Management and Transformation
Transport Canada
613-990-3008
Carl.levesque@tc.gc.ca

Conducting a Transportation Sector Regulatory Review

The proposed review supports stakeholder needs for addressing regulatory barriers across the transportation system as it affects the supply chain. A modal approach to the transportation sector may be limiting industry’s modern business practices and Canada’s potential for economic growth in the transportation sector.

Approach: Transport Canada is proposing to conduct a three-year review, using a systemic and user-centric approach, of the transportation regulatory system as it relates to the Canadian supply chain. The proposed review will examine unnecessary regulatory barriers that transcend modes of transportation and may impede the flow of goods during transport through the supply chain. The proposed review will also consider green and innovative technologies being introduced to manage the logistics of transportation through the supply chain and will identify best regulatory practices to facilitate these.

In addition to the proposed regulatory review of the transportation sector, the Office of Regulatory Innovation will coordinate the implementation of the Transportation Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap and develop an action plan to address additional issues raised by stakeholders that require further analysis. The Office of Regulatory Innovation will work towards future-ready regulations that include the adoption of the following lenses: digitization, flexible approaches to foster innovation and investment, risk-based approaches and cost recovery, where applicable. An overview can be found in Section 6.

Benefits: The proposed review will promote future-ready regulatory frameworks that will facilitate the movement of goods throughout the supply chain. The result will be a regulatory environment that reflects current business practices and will foster innovation and economic growth, while ensuring the safety and security of the Canadian public.

Cooperation Implications: Transport Canada will use an inclusive and collaborative approach by working with the Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council and engage other federal departments, other levels of government, industry members and experts.

Key Milestones:

  • Year 2019-2020: Mapping of the supply chain in targeted industries and commodities; analyzing existing best practices in other jurisdictions; and developing a research synthesis of literature produced by academia and industry.
  • Year 2020-2021: Developing a discussion paper summarizing existing findings and prompting further discussions; engaging with stakeholders of the users of the transportation system for the supply chain (freight forwarders, logistics managers, etc).
  • Year 2021-2022: Summarizing consultations; developing a report on findings and recommended next steps to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to an efficient transportation sector as one component of the supply chain; and develop an action plan for issues raised by stakeholders, that were not included in the Roadmap and which were categorized as requiring further analysis.
  • 2019-Ongoing: Continued engagement with the Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council.

Department Contact Information:

Office of Regulatory Innovation
Departmental Regulatory Affairs
Transport Canada
RegulatoryInnovation-Innovationreglementaire@tc.gc.ca

Novel Approaches

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)

Introducing test ranges for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS)

There is a need for testing environments for automated-piloted aircraft technologies to facilitate airspace tests, collaboration with industry on remotely piloted aircraft systems requirements, and testing in Canadian weather conditions.

Approach: Transport Canada is partnering with the Canadian industry and other federal departments and agencies to conduct trials of remotely piloted aircraft systems in environments supporting research and trials for within visual line-of-sight and beyond visual line-of-sight flight tests. These test sites are located in the Unmanned Aerial System Centre of Excellence test range in Alma (Quebec), and the Foremost Centre for Unmanned Systems test range in Foremost (Alberta).

They offer a large area of reserved airspace, and minimize safety risks to other aircraft, infrastructure and the Canadian public. They allow industry to test prototypes, prove safety procedures, validate technologies and create operating practices.

Benefits: These test ranges for remotely piloted aircraft systems provide a controlled risk environment to industry for testing emerging technologies. They introduce partnership opportunities between federal departments and agencies, industry and academia. These testing environments also support experimentation on remotely piloted aircraft system technology and provide economic opportunities for growth in Canada. Trials conducted at test ranges provide Transport Canada with expertise and insight on technological progress in the remotely piloted aircraft systems, and inform policy evidence-based regulations.

Cooperation Implications: Transport Canada will collaborate with industry and other federal departments and agencies, such as: Defence Research Development Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, National Research Council Canada, and NAV CANADA.

Key Milestones: General timelines have been identified for implementation of these test ranges on remotely piloted aircraft systems:

  • Short-term: Conducted tests to inform development of regulations for remotely piloted aircraft systems operating within visual line-of-sight.
  • Medium-term: Conduct tests to inform policy and regulatory planning for remotely piloted aircraft systems operating beyond visual line-of-sight.
  • Long-term: Conduct tests to inform future policy and regulatory planning for remotely piloted aircraft systems for higher-risk and more complex commercial beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.

Department Contact Information:

Félix Meunier
Director, Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Transport Canada
(613) 998-9317
Felix.meunier@tc.gc.ca

Conducting pilot projects for beyond visual line-of-sight for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS)

There is a need for research and development on remotely piloted aircraft systems operating beyond visual line-of-sight, and a regulatory framework allowing operation and deployment of remotely piloted aircraft systems in such conditions.

Approach: Transport Canada is conducting a pilot project on remotely piloted aircraft systems in collaboration with industry, including:

  • the deployment of remotely piloted aircraft systems in Canada’s remote and rural regions with Canada Post;
  • a pipeline survey in Western Alberta on the feasibility and capability of using a ground‑based radar system with Canadian Unmanned Air Vehicles;
  • the use of remotely piloted aircraft systems for the safe delivery of food and medical supplies in Moosonee (Ontario) with Drone Delivery Canada; and
  • a trial to perform infrastructure surveys in Western Canada with ING Robotic Aviation and key partners.

Transport Canada will test remotely piloted aircraft system technology for package delivery in remote communities and long-range infrastructure inspection. These pilot projects’ results will provide safety procedures, explore the deployment of remotely piloted aircraft systems beyond visual line-of-sight, and enable future infrastructure in Canadian weather.

Benefits: These pilot projects will inform Transport Canada’s future evidence-based regulations on remotely piloted aircraft systems operating beyond visual line-of-sight. Through these projects, industry will gain real-world experience in operating remotely piloted aircraft systems and develop safe practices for remotely piloted aircraft systems operating beyond visual line-of-sight in Canadian climates.

Cooperation Implications: These pilot projects have cooperation implications with industries and other federal departments and agencies, such as: Defence Research Development Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, National Research Council Canada, and NAV CANADA.

Key Milestones: The pilot projects will be implemented as follows:

  • Year 2018-2019: Continue to support industry’s implementation of the pilot projects.
  • Year 2019-2020: Initiate policy development for low-risk commercial operations beyond visual line-of-sight operations.

Department Contact Information:

Félix Meunier
Director, Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Transport Canada
(613) 998-9317
Felix.meunier@tc.gc.ca

Accelerating commercial testing of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) operating beyond visual line-of-sight

There is a need for a flexible regulatory framework on remotely piloted aircraft systems, and more collaboration with industry to keep pace with rapidly emerging technologies and capabilities of remotely piloted aircraft systems.

Approach: Transport Canada is proposing to strengthen stakeholder engagement with the creation of an advisory committee, conducting additional pilot projects to supplement existing pilots underway in partnership with aviation and technology industries, and accelerating the development of performance-based regulations for low-risk commercial beyond visual line-of-sight operations in Canada.

Benefits: The advisory committee and the proposed additional pilot projects will strengthen engagement with stakeholders and inform the development of regulations, standards and policies on remotely piloted aircraft systems. They will accelerate the implementation of a flexible, clear and predictable regulatory framework, bring remotely piloted aircraft system technology to the market, and support the use of remotely piloted aircraft systems across different sectors in Canada.

Cooperation Implications: Transport Canada would lead these pilot projects and work collaboratively with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on telecommunications, and with National Research Council Canada on research and development of remotely piloted aircraft system projects.

Key Milestones: Accelerating the use of low-risk commercial beyond visual line-of-sight operations will be carried out over a three-year period:

  • Year 2019-2020: Create an advisory committee, publication of a white paper, call for proposals for additional pilot projects and launch of projects, and increase Transport Canada participation internationally and nationally.
  • Year 2020-2021: Complete additional pilot projects and publish a report, publish national guidance for industry on low-risk commercial beyond visual line-of-sight operations under specific conditions, and initiate policy and regulatory framework for future amendments. Publish proposed regulations for low-risk commercial beyond visual line-of-sight operations in Canada Gazette, Part I.
  • Year 2021-2022: Publish proposed regulations for low-risk commercial beyond visual line-of-sight operations in Canada Gazette, Part II.

Department Contact Information

Félix Meunier
Director, Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Transport Canada
(613) 998-9317
Felix.meunier@tc.gc.ca

Automated Vehicles and Connected Vehicles (AV/CV)

Introducing a Cooperative Truck Platooning pilot project

Stakeholders have identified the need to support the introduction of new technologies that enhance the safety, efficiency and environmental performance of commercial vehicles. They also identified the potential of technology to help address labour shortages in the trucking sector – specifically attracting and retaining new drivers.

Truck platooning systems use technologies, such as: cameras, sensors and communications technologies to electronically hitch trucks together; all vehicles have drivers, but distance between vehicles is controlled to reduce drag and fuel consumption due to vehicles’ wake of lead.

Approach: Transport Canada is proposing a pilot project to test truck platooning technology, including trials on Canadian public highways. Through this initiative, Transport Canada is proposing to work with industry, academia, and provincial, territorial and municipal governments to evaluate how to safely, effectively, and productively deploy truck platooning on Canadian roads, in a variety of climate conditions.

Benefits: Platooning technology has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from long‑haul heavy-duty trucks. Despite comprising a small portion of Canada’s on-road fleet, they emit almost 10% of the country’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions. While greenhouse gas regulations are expected to help address this, platooning has the potential to accelerate Canada’s efforts to meet its 2030 greenhouse reduction commitments, as presented in the 2017-2020 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, while increasing the trucking industry’s competitiveness as the technology will decrease fuel costs. Platooning technology could also help address labour shortages as advanced technology could enhance the appeal of the trucking profession for new drivers.

This proposed truck platooning pilot project will also increase evidence to inform policies and regulations on commercial vehicle operations and automated vehicle and connected vehicle technology of Canadian jurisdictions. It will enhance regulatory alignment and coordination across Canadian jurisdictions and facilitate the deployment of truck platooning technology. Additionally, vehicle platooning could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote automated vehicle and connected vehicle technologies and contribute to Transport Canada’s policies on automated vehicles and connected vehicles.

Cooperation Implications: Transport Canada will collaborate with industry, provinces and territories, and other federal departments and agencies, such as Environment and Climate Change Canada; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; Natural Resources Canada; and National Research Council Canada to test truck platooning technologies.

Key Milestones: The proposed truck platooning pilot project will be conducted over a three-year period:

  • Year 2019-2020: Assessment of platoon braking capabilities, performance of equipment and sensors, assessment of fuel consumption and aerodynamic drag reduction.
  • Year 2020-2021: Assessment of advanced driver assistance systems and sensor capabilities, assessment of fuel consumption and aerodynamic drag reduction in real-world traffic conditions, and evaluation of human factors, fatigue, and human interface assessment.
  • Year 2021-2022: Assessment of fuel consumption and aerodynamic drag reduction in real-world operation and an assessment of operational safety risks for platooning.

Department Contact Information:

Ryan Klomp
Director, Multi-Modal Technology Development Research and Testing
Transport Canada
(613) 513-7012
Ryan.klomp@tc.gc.ca

Civil Aviation

Proposing a pilot project to increase and evaluate delegation of authority to Canadian aircraft manufacturers issuing flight permits

There is a need for greater flexibility in the regulatory framework for Canadian aircraft manufacturers to promote emerging technology in the aviation sector.

Approach: Currently, Transport Canada must issue one-off flight permits to aircraft being operated by a Canadian aircraft manufacturer for flights under the custody and control of the manufacturer during the manufacturing process. This includes test flights or demonstration flights for the purpose of selling aircraft to prospective buyers.

To enhance service delivery for industry, Transport Canada is proposing a pilot project involving only select Canadian aircraft manufacturers. The proposed pilot project will evaluate an increased delegation of authority by the Minister of Transport to Minister Delegates – Production, who are already working for Canadian manufacturers.

Minister Delegates – Production will be granted the authority by the Minister of Transport to issue one-off flight permits that are under the custody and control of that manufacturer, such as demonstration or test flights. These delegates will receive specialized training by Transport Canada. The flight permits will be limited to a controlled environment for aircraft under the custody and control of those manufacturers. Transport Canada inspectors will supervise the manufacturers to ensure that appropriate operating conditions are identified and issued as part of each flight permit.

Benefits: This proposed pilot project will enhance flexibility and agility in the regulatory framework by testing the delegation of authority, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, to Minister Delegates-Production working for Canadian aircraft manufacturers for the purpose of issuing a “specific purpose” flight permit. It will work toward enhancing and service delivery, promoting innovation and investment, and providing economic benefit for Canadian manufacturers.

Key Milestones: This proposed pilot project will test the use of delegation authorities by the Minister of Transport for one-off flight permits with select aircraft manufacturers.

Department Contact Information:

Robert Sincennes
Director, Standards, Civil Aviation
Transport Canada
(613) 991-2738
Robert.sincennes@tc.gc.ca

Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Introducing a regulatory sandbox for dangerous goods electronic shipping documents

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations require a physical paper shipping document to accompany dangerous goods during transit. A shipping document provides a summary of the dangerous goods being transported and contains essential information used for emergency response to an incident. Stakeholders have communicated the need for Transport Canada to consider adopting electronic shipping documents as an alternative to physical paper documents in its regulations as printing these documents can be administratively burdensome, inefficient and redundant for businesses who already have wireless communication systems in place.

Approach: Transport Canada is proposing a regulatory sandbox in partnership with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), from the United States Department of Transportation, industry, other federal departments and agencies, and provincial and territorial jurisdictions. This proposed regulatory sandbox will evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, costs, and benefits of using electronic shipping documents by allowing participants to use digital shipping documents in a controlled environment. Permission will be granted to participants for a specific period of time in the form of an equivalency certificate provided that they meet safety and information-sharing criteria.

Benefits: This proposed regulatory sandbox will identify timely and flexible solutions for technological advancement in the transportation of dangerous goods and provide the evidence necessary for Transport Canada to modernize the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations with paperless alternatives. Paperless practices will improve supply chain management, reduce paper-burden, and increase compliance and efficiency for industry nationally and internationally.

Cooperation Implications: The proposed Regulatory Sandbox for Dangerous Goods Electronic Shipping Documents will support partnership with industry and government entities, such as: Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, provinces and territories, and the United States Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

Key Milestones: Transport Canada will conduct this proposed project over a three-year period:

  • Year 2019-2020: Identify key players and establish a technical committee with stakeholders and various partners, develop an action plan, and establish policies and procedures for review and authorization to operate under the regulatory sandbox.
  • Year 2020-2021: Implement the sandbox, grant approvals to carriers of dangerous goods, monitor paperless activities through enforcement activities, hold tabletop simulation exercises, and document operations and results.
  • Year 2021-2022: Operate the sandbox with stakeholders, continue and resume data collection, hold a field simulation exercise and produce reports on the findings.

Department Contact Information

Geneviève Sansoucy
Chief, Regulatory Development, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Directorate
Transport Canada
613-993-8685
Genevieve.sansoucy@tc.gc.ca

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