Transport Canada 2025-2026 Departmental Plan

Transport Canada 2025-2026 Departmental Plan
(PDF, 1.75 MB)

Catalogue No. T1-27E-PDF

ISSN 2371-8420

This document is available on the Transport Canada website.

This document is available in alternative formats upon request.

From the Minister

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade

I am pleased to present Transport Canada's Departmental Plan for 2025–26. This plan outlines priorities for the year ahead. Transport Canada remains committed to fostering a safe, secure, green, and innovative transportation system that supports the well-being of Canadians and the strength of our economy.

This plan reflects the government’s broader commitment and priorities, including supporting economic resilience and prosperity through streamlined trade across Canada, clean growth, and national safety and security. Transport Canada remains dedicated to achieving these goals while maintaining the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and service to Canadians.

Over the coming year, Transport Canada will continue to focus on enhancing safety and security across all modes of transportation, improving the efficiency and reliability of Canada’s transportation supply chains, improving passenger experiences through more accessible transportation systems, advancing initiatives to reduce harmful emissions, and supporting the transition to a net-zero transportation system.

Investing in our supply chains to make them more efficient, fluid, sustainable and reliable remains a key priority to help make life more affordable for Canadians. Transport Canada’s National Supply Chain Office is leading efforts to ensure Canada’s goods movement system supports trade diversification, one Canadian economy, and a strong, resilient and self-sufficient Canada, including supporting engagement with industry, labour, Indigenous groups and other levels of government. Bolstering and fostering supply chain capacity and fluidity can expand opportunities for Canadian businesses, improve passenger and freight transport service levels and reliability, and help to protect Canada’s natural environment for generations to come. A collaborative and integrated approach is crucial to strengthening our supply chains and growing our economy.

To assist with Canada’s transition to a net-zero transportation system by 2050, Transport Canada is establishing a clear vision and comprehensive plan for reducing emissions across all modes of transportation. It will outline strategies to increase adoption of clean fuels and technology, improve energy efficiency, and shift towards cleaner transportation options. From expanding green shipping corridors, supporting clean on-road and rail technologies, advancing climate resilience, and deepening collaboration with Indigenous partners on environmental protection and sustainable infrastructure, Transport Canada will continue to support a green and innovative transportation system.

Transport Canada will also continue to support modern, resilient infrastructure through the development of a new high-speed passenger rail system in the Toronto-Ottawa-Montréal-Québec City corridor.

I invite you to explore this plan to learn more about the transformative work ahead and how Transport Canada will continue to make Canada’s transportation system a global leader in safety, sustainability, and innovation.

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland

Minister of Transport and Internal Trade

Plans to deliver on core responsibilities and internal services

Core responsibilities and internal services

Core responsibility 1: A safe and secure transportation system
Core responsibility 2: A green and innovative transportation system
Core responsibility 3: An efficient transportation system
Internal services

Core responsibility 1: A safe and secure transportation system

In this section

Description
Quality of life impacts
Indicators, results and targets
Plans to achieve results
Planned resources to achieve results
Related government priorities
Program inventory
Summary of changes to reporting framework since last year

Description

Ensures a safe and secure transportation system in Canada through laws, regulations, policies, and oversight activities.

Quality of life impacts

Domain: Health

Indicators: Healthy people

The following projects will help reduce the number and seriousness of road collisions in Canada:

Testing vehicles, child car seats and tires made for the Canadian marketplace.
Making sure manufacturers comply with safety recalls and meet certification for documentation and testing to address potential hazards in motor vehicles.

Health-adjusted life expectancy: Transport Canada’s contribution to reducing road collisions overall and serious ones in particular helps save lives and positively impacts life expectancy of Canadians.

Functional health status: By testing vehicles, child car seats, and tires made for the Canadian marketplace, we’re helping to reduce the number of road collisions that lead to severe injuries in Canada. Reducing road collisions overall, and severe ones in particular, helps reduce the number of critical injuries in road accidents, and has a positive impact on 8 parts of this indicator:

vision
hearing
speech
mobility
dexterity
feelings
cognition
pain

A child sitting in a car seat, fastening their seatbelt

Children vulnerable in early development: We reduce the risks to infants and children involved in crashes by testing car seats. We also make sure car seat makers and importers follow safety recalls and include required documents.School bus safety measures also help protect children in their early development.

Domain: Good governance

Indicators: Confidence in institutions, Canada’s place in the world, and personal safety

We set responsible, effective and efficient laws and regulations for transportation safety, security, accessibility, convenience and inclusiveness. This work contributes to the overall goal of Good Governance.

Indicators, results and targets

This section presents details on the department’s indicators, the actual results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, the targets and target dates approved in 2025-26 for safe and secure transportation system. Details are presented by departmental result.

Table 1: Indicators, results and targets for departmental result: a safe transportation system

Table 1 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under a safe and secure transportation system.

Departmental Result Indicators	Actual Results	Target	Date to achieve target
Ten-year aircraft accident rate (average per year, per 100,000 aircraft movements)	2021–22: 3.1 2022–23: 3.0 2023–24: 2.9	At most 3.1 per 100,000 movements	03-31-2026
Ten-year aircraft fatality rate (average per year, per 100,000 aircraft movements)	2021–22: 0.5 2022–23: 0.5 2023–24: 0.5	At most 0.6 per 100,000 movements	03-31-2026
Ten-year marine accident rate (average per year, per 1,000 commercial vessels)	2021–22: 6.8 2022–23: 6.0 2023–24: 6.1	At most 10 per 1,000 commercial vessels	03-31-2026
Ten-year marine fatality rate (average per year, per 1,000 commercial vessels)	2021–22: 0.4 2022–23: 0.3 2023–24: 0.3	At most 0.5 per 1,000 commercial vessels	03-31-2026
Five-year rail accident rate (average per year, per million-train miles)	2021–22: New Indicator 2022–23: 7.57% reduction 2023–24: 10.35 (23.12% reduction)	At most 10.79 per annual number of million-train miles	03-31-2026
Five-year rail fatality rate (average per year, per million-train miles)	2021–22: New Indicator 2022–23: 13.77% increase 2023–24: 0.82 (3.54% increase)	At most 0.75 per annual number of million-train miles	03-31-2026
Rate of reportable road traffic collisions in Canada (rate per billion vehicle kilometres travelled	2021–22: 23.8% reduction 2022–23: 26.7% reduction 2023–24: 10.8% reduction in 2022 as compared to the five-year average (2017–21)	At least 1% rate reduction for the current year as compared to the average of the previous five years.	03-31-2026
Rate of serious injuries in reportable road traffic collisions in Canada (rate per billion vehicle kilometres travelled)	2021–22: 17.9% reduction 2022–23: 17.0% reduction 2023–24: 5.5% reduction in 2022 as compared to the five-year average (2017–21)	At least 1% rate reduction for the current year as compared to the average of the previous five years.	03-31-2026
Rate of fatalities in reportable road traffic collisions in Canada (rate per billion vehicle kilometres travelled)	2021–22: 2.5% reduction 2022–23: 8.6% reduction 2023–24: 1.2% reduction in 2022 as compared to the five-year average (2017–21)	At least 1% rate reduction for the current year as compared to the average of the previous five years.	03-31-2026

Table 2: Indicators, results and targets for departmental result: a secure transportation system

Table 2 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under a safe and secure transportation system.

Departmental Result Indicators	Actual Results	Target	Date to achieve target
Percentage of non-complex Transportation Security Clearances (TSC) Applications processed within published service standards.	22-23 - 97% 23-24 - 97%	80%	03-31-2026
Percentage of existing TSC statuses reviewed, in compliance with established timelines following the receipt of adverse information.	New Result for 2025-26	90%	03-31-2026
Rate of compliance of Canadian aviation regulated entities with TC’s security regulations	2021-22: 77% 2022-23: 81% 2023-24: 89.94%	At least 80%	03-31-2026

Departmental Result Indicators

Actual Results

Target

Date to achieve target

Percentage of non-complex Transportation Security Clearances (TSC) Applications processed within published service standards.

22-23 - 97%

23-24 - 97%

80%

03-31-2026

Percentage of existing TSC statuses reviewed, in compliance with established timelines following the receipt of adverse information.

New Result for 2025-26

90%

03-31-2026

Rate of compliance of Canadian aviation regulated entities with TC’s security regulations

2021-22: 77%

2022-23: 81%

2023-24: 89.94%

At least 80%

03-31-2026

Table 3: Indicators, results and targets for departmental result: a modern safety and security regime that supports economic growth

Table 3 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under a safe and secure transportation system.

Departmental Result Indicators	Actual Results	Target	Date to achieve target
Percentage of TC safety regulations aligned with international transportation standards (air)	2021–22: 95.1% 2022–23: 95.1% 2023–24: 65.1%	At least 80% The target was adjusted in the PIPs to 80% post 2023 Audit results and in advance of ICVM in 2025.	03-31-2026
Percentage of client requests for safety or security authorizations that meet Transport Canada’s service standards (air)	2021–22: 86.8% 2022–23: 89% 2023–24: 90%	Greater than 83%	03-31-2026
Percentage of safety regulatory authorizations of certified entities that were completed in accordance with established service standards (marine)	2021–22: 99.51% 2022–23: 99.99% 2023–24: 99.84%	At least 98%	03-31-2026

Departmental Result Indicators

Actual Results

Target

Date to achieve target

Percentage of TC safety regulations aligned with international transportation standards (air)

2021–22: 95.1%

2022–23: 95.1%

2023–24: 65.1%

At least 80%

The target was adjusted in the PIPs to 80% post 2023 Audit results and in advance of ICVM in 2025.

03-31-2026

Percentage of client requests for safety or security authorizations that meet Transport Canada’s service standards (air)

2021–22: 86.8%

2022–23: 89%

2023–24: 90%

Greater than 83%

03-31-2026

Percentage of safety regulatory authorizations of certified entities that were completed in accordance with established service standards (marine)

2021–22: 99.51%

2022–23: 99.99%

2023–24: 99.84%

At least 98%

03-31-2026

Additional information on the detailed results and performance information for the Transport Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Plans to achieve results

The following section describes the planned results for a safe and secure transportation system in 2025-26.

Result 1 ‒ A safe transportation system

Supporting operation and safety of Government-wide aviation services

The Aircraft Services Directorate will continue to provide a range of aviation services to government departments and agencies
Providing aircraft operations, maintenance and engineering, logistics, and fleet management services for:
- Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (including pilots and fleet management for helicopters)
- Department of National Defence (including the VVIP 412 Squadron that transport senior government officials and providing heavy maintenance services for DND CH146 Griffon Helicopters)
Operating a suite of aviation equipment and facilities, including:
- a fleet of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) (drones)
- 3 simulators;
- 4 Transport Canada-owned/leased bases (plus a 5th in Iqaluit, to be added in 2025-2026), and
- 9 Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) bases

Promoting and overseeing aviation safety in Canada

Aviation inspectors examining a small aircraft.

Transport Canada will continue to deliver the Civil Aviation National Oversight Program and the Aviation Occupational Health and Safety Program
Implement the Quality Management System and the Voluntary Safety Management Systems
Continue to improve drone safety regulations and updating drone-related Canadian Aviation Regulations to allow:
- drones to be safely used beyond visual line of sight, and
- medium-sized drone operations (up to 150kg)
Focus on creating a Commercial Space Launch regime for Canada, including:
- publishing requirements
- reviewing the processes for commercial space launch applicants, and
- Looking at options for a permanent comprehensive regime
Develop regulations to allow light sport aircraft category of aircraft to be used in Canada and develop guidance for how it can be used for in-flight training
Create regulations to approve training organizations and the aviation training programs they provide.
Continue developing medical regulations for growing parts of the aerospace sector, including Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drones) and space launch systems

Addressing global aviation safety issues

The department’s international aviation strategy will continue to focus on Canada’s input to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices. These practices support a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector
Continue working with our ICAO partners to improve the safety of civilian aircraft flying in or near conflict zones, following the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 on January 8, 2020
Continue supporting Global Affairs Canada’s pursuit of justice and accountability for the families of Flight PS752 victims
Continue advocating for improving the ICAO’s air accident investigation protocols to make sure investigations are transparent and credible when it comes to conflict-of-interest situations following a drowned aircraft
Continue implementing the Safer Skies Initiative to improve the safety and security of commercial airlines and air operators travelling over or near conflict zones This includes:
- monitoring global air space and issuing guidance to Canadian air carriers to protect air operations;
- continue to Chair the Safer Skies Consultative Committee
- co-host the 4th Safer Skies Forum to be held in Morocco in April 2025.
Continue addressing the findings of ICAO’s ongoing Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program (USOAP)to improve Transport Canada’s ability to oversee and manage Canada’s aviation safety oversight system
Continue developing corrective actions in response to the audit, including updating the Canadian Aviation Regulations. The updated regulations will include:
- adding common industry practices to the text of the regulations
- aligning sections of the regulations, and
- implementing ICAO terminology and standards
Prepare for the upcoming ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission, a follow up to the USOAP Audit to determine our progress on addressing findings, as well as the Universal Security Audit Programme, scheduled for 2025-26 and 2026-27

Supporting safety of marine traffic and operations

Continue implementing the Pilotage Act and update the Marine Pilotage Regulations to address:
- quality management systems
- administrative monetary penalties
- marine occurrence reporting requirements, and
- harmonizing of regional pilotage requirements where possible
Create new regulations to combine, modernize and update the:
Amend the Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations to incorporate changes to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and make Polar Code navigation safety and voyage planning requirements in Canadian Arctic waters mandatory for some “non-SOLAS” ships
Continue a national trial to test the effectiveness and efficiency of remote cargo inspections. A national trial will apply to readiness to load inspections for some vessels coming to Canadian ports to load grain and concentrates in bulk for export
The trial will compare remote and physical inspections to determine if they are equally safe and whether remote inspections will improve efficiency. The trial supports:
- A safe and efficient supply chain in Canada and globally
- Canada’s commitments under the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding, and
- Potential harmonization with a similar program in the United States
The Port State Control Program will continue to inspect foreign tankers to protect Canada’s coastal communities and marine environments. We’re also looking at extending “enhanced” inspection to gas carriers, fishing vessels, and other ships of concern

Promoting safe operation and use of pleasure craft

Four people in a small boat, all wearing life jackets.

Update theCompetency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations to address regulatory gaps and give the Minister of Transport the authority to suspend or revoke Pleasure Craft Operator Cards under certain circumstances
Update to the Small Vessel Regulations,to:
- create a new 5-year validity period for all pleasure craft licences
- expand the Minister’s authority to cancel licences when someone doesn’t comply with regulations or when a licence holder asks
- expand licensing requirements to some wind-powered pleasure craft;
- introduce a new service fee
- change the definition of “personal watercraft” to include ones that are electric powered
- repeal the ban on operating propeller-driven surfboard-type vessels (eSurfboards, eFoils, etc.) and introduce requirements for all power-driven surfboard-type vessels
- introduce limits on pleasure craft engine noise and emission levels
- introduce requirements for installing and using engine cut-off switches on some pleasure craft, and
- potentially introduce requirements for the mandatory wearing of personal floatation devices in certain circumstances
Address the use of pleasure craft as non-pleasure craft by helping vessel owners understand when a rented pleasure craft becomes a commercial passenger vessel so that they can follow Canadian laws and regulations

Addressing seafarer safety and well-being

Proceed with proposed Marine Personnel Regulations, 2025, which align with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarersand the Maritime Labour Convention, to:
- be more consistent and include best practices
- be more efficient, improve service and align with international requirements and standards
- modernize how we deliver the marine medical program
Address the shortage of seafarers in Canada through:
- negotiating reciprocal arrangements with other countries to allow some foreign seafarers to apply for a Canadian endorsement and serve on board Canadian-flagged vessels
- delivering the Marine Training Program, supporting the Direct Entry Program for Permanent Residents, and licensing seafarer placement and recruitment services
- working with the Department of National Defence and the Royal Canadian Navy to help naval trades earn credits towards a commercial marine certificate; and
- digitizing the Safe Manning Program, and creating a centre of expertise for maritime occupational health and safety

Promoting safe design and operation of domestic vessels

Review and modernize our domestic vessel oversight regime to support a consistent, national approach to oversight
Implement the Marine Safety Management System Regulations, so most of Canada’s commercial vessel fleet— except fishing vessels subject to the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations—will need to develop and implement a safety management system
Introduce the Small Vessel Construction and Equipment Regulations which will set construction and equipment requirements for most Canadian-inspected small vessels
Update the construction requirements for small domestic fishing vessels in the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations to align them with modern standards and best practices
Update the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations to:
- simplify the process for implementing vessel operation restrictions
- help us better respond to new and emerging issues on waterways
- support the government’s commitment to giving provinces, territories and municipalities a bigger role in managing and regulating boating to promote free access, while ensuring the safety of boaters and the protection of the environment

Improving motor vehicle safety

Continue testing vehicles, child car seats, and tires to confirm that products made for the Canadian market meet safety requirements
Continue auditing vehicles and vehicle product manufacturers to confirm that:
- certification testing is done and documented, and
- safety recalls are carried out as required
Analyze safety complaints to:
- identify safety defects in products, and
- work with manufacturers to make sure they recall products, when needed
Continue adapting Canada’s motor vehicle safety laws and regulations to improve road safety
Help test and deploy new vehicle technologies, including:
- doing pre-regulatory research on vehicle safety systems to help develop guidelines and standards
- participating in international groups to help develop safety requirements for motor vehicles, and
- updating guidelines and standards to make sure vehicle technologies are safe
Use a coordinated approach to road and vehicle safety, including:
- working with stakeholders and educating consumers, and
- working with other levels of government and stakeholders through the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) and other groups

Improving road safety

Continue providing Road Safety Transfer Payment Program support to provinces, territories, and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators to support their work maintaining and implementing National Safety Code standards
Maximize the Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program’s investments to focus on priority areas, like:
- impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving
- excessive speed
- innovative design, testing and integration of connected and automated vehicles
- training, testing, and improving advanced driver assistance systems

Modernizing multimodal regulations and technologies

Continue modernizing federal regulations through the reduction of overall regulatory burden
Launch a digital tool to help departmental regulators including improved capacity to assess departments’ regulatory stock, to inform evidence-based decision-making. This initiative will support the Budget 2024 priority on cutting red tape to boost innovation and “streamlining the regulatory system”
Encourage the transportation sector to use regulatory sandboxes to support innovation

Managing emergencies

Use our Emergency Management Program, to administer and coordinate how we prepare, prevent, manage, respond and recover from transportation-related emergencies.
Meet our responsibilities under the Emergency Management Actby:
- creating emergency management policies and procedures
- working with experts, other federal departments, other levels of government, first responders, and industry to coordinate our responses to incidents
- maintain and regularly update our inventory of authorities and response actions
Continue to operate three vital operations centres for incident management:
- our Situation Centre (SitCen) which serves as the focal point for transportation incidents and responds to emergencies 24/7
- the Passenger Protect Program Operations Centre which works closely with Public Safety Canada to implement the Enhanced Passenger Protect Program for security measures that limit the movement of travellers of concern and help resolve mistaken identities, and
- the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre (CANUTEC) which provides 24/7 technical advice to partners and emergency personnel as they handle dangerous goods emergencies and incidents in transportation
Deliver safety awareness programs, simulations, and training to municipalities, first responders, Indigenous groups, students, and other stakeholders
Continue updating and sharing the Emergency Response Guidebook used by first responders during the initial phase of transportation incidents that involve dangerous goods

Enforcing laws and regulations

Use our enforcement standards to provide effective and coherent enforcement actions that hold companies accountable for not complying with laws or regulations
Continue working with all transportation modes to make our enforcement actions more consistent
Simplify through consistently enforcing laws and regulations by:
- providing direction on the application of enforcement activities and how to exercise enforcement discretion
- delivering training
- implementing national standards for assessing non-compliance, and
- doing enforcement investigations
Continue to implement the administrative monetary penalties regime (fines) under the Canada Marine Act

Strengthening rail safety

Continue supporting projects under the Rail Safety Improvement Program, that reduce safety risks along rail lines and at high-risk grade crossings by:
- improving infrastructure
- closing grade crossings
- mitigating safety risks associated with climate change
- educating the public, and
- developing and implementing new technologies and research
Replace the Railway Employee Qualification Standards Regulations with updated Railway Personnel Training and Qualifications Regulations
Modernize the Railway Safety Management System Regulations, 2015 including conditions to address fatigue-related risks
Begin the process to develop Enhanced Train Control Regulations
Begin work on updating the Railway Safety Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations to designate provisions for new and amended regulations
Improve our ability to consistently oversee rail safety, monitor compliance and enforce regulations. This includes:
- completing multi-regional inspections to increase consistency
- creating guidance material on the use of discretion, and
- creating national standards for assessing non-compliance
Continue improving how we oversee rail safety, including:
- how the railways apply the Duty and Rest Period Rules for Railway Operating Employees, and
- complying with the Grade Crossings Regulations, following its coming into force in November 2024
Continue supporting work to reduce carbon emission in the rail sector and promote research on new technologies introduced by the rail industry. Make sure these technologies meet or exceed current safety standards. These technologies include:
- remote safety inspection portals,
- hydrogen- and battery-powered locomotives,
- wayside inspection systems, and
- distributed power train operations
Continue using data analytics to better understand rail safety risks along Canada's rail network
Launch 2 digital investment priority projects for 2025-26 including new tools that will allow inspectors to add data into the application in real-time

Result 2 ‒ A secure transportation system

Reinforcing the national transportation system

Develop and deliver plans and strategies to anticipate and deal with national security and intelligence threats to Canada’s transportation system
Continue working with federal security and intelligence partners, provinces and territories, industry stakeholders and others on coordinated measures and best practices to anticipate, deter, detect, prevent, and respond to transportation security threats

Supporting security screening

Continue improving and delivering on the Transportation Security Clearance application process and continue to meet our service standards, including measures to:
- automate and reduce manual processes;
- improve the user experience based on feedback and Accessibility testing results;
- Continue to work with security partners and law enforcement on due diligence

Continue developing frameworks that will:
- set policy direction
- guide future regulatory requirements, and
- support the safe and responsible use of counter-drone technology to address drone security risk

Addressing public health issues in the aviation sector

Continue building a medical intelligence community of practice (including representatives from major Canadian airlines and the Public Health Agency of Canada) to track emerging public health issues and make biosecurity recommendations
Continue participating in the ICAO Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation (CAPSCA) group to share information and develop recommendations on any emerging public health issues and future biosecurity measures for air travel

Modernizing how we oversee aviation security

Improve our risk-based planning processes to:
- better use risk analysis for data-driven decision-making,
- assign resources to the areas with the highest risk, and
- improve the balance of oversight across the entire Canadian aviation industry
Continue using and improving the technology we use to oversee aviation security, including using flexible tools like remote, on-site and/or hybrid inspection
Continue aligning with ICAO’s international standards and recommended practices for aviation security

Improving how we identify air passengers

Monitor and use new technologies that can impact aviation security policies, programs and oversight
Continue participating in domestic and international fora and working with industry on digital identity and biometric technologies to ensure international alignment
Continue assessing and adopting new/updated standards for biometrics and passenger digital identity

Improving air screening systems and technologies

Enrollment and recognition of independent third-party certifiers to perform Explosives Detection Dog and Handler Team (EDDHT) certifications will:
- expand air cargo screening capacity,
- widen access to EDDHT certification services nationwide, and
- facilitate the movement of goods and accessibility to global markets.
Improve our In-Flight Supplies Security Program to make sure that all in-flight supplies that are used, eaten or purchased on board are secure
Make sure that Canadian businesses that screen, store or transport in-flight supplies follow Canada’s strict aviation security standards
Updates to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012, for Pre-Load Air Cargo Targeting (PACT) came into force on April 1, 2025
PACT will use AI (artificial intelligence) to detect high-risk cargo before it’s loaded onto a plane. Any air carrier that carries inbound cargo to Canada is required to participate
This extra layer of security will reduce risks, support economic resiliency, and increase public confidence in Canada’s air cargo supply chain
Ensure PACT’s continued alignment with the guiding principles established by ICAO and the World Customs Organization

Improving how we oversee marine security

Update the Marine Transportation Security Regulations, to:
- align with other acts and regulations
- address regulatory gaps, and
- align with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, to protect and preserve the efficiency of the marine transportation system

Improving and updating rail security

Continue improving railway security by:
- working with industry and policing partners across Canada
- focusing on inspecting railway sites and facilities
- developing policies and standard operating procedures, and
- developing tools to address security risks and incidents of concern across the railway network, like tampering, interfering with railway operations and/or other suspicious events.
Work with our security intelligence partners to increase the rail industry’s awareness of security
Pursue other measures to improve railway security, including:
- use new tools, like administrative monetary penalties (fines)
- oversee the Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail Security Regulations and the Passenger Rail Transportation Security Regulations
- develop and implement new and updated oversight standard operating procedures, including compliance and enforcement procedures
- deliver training and information sessions to regulated entities and Transportation Security Inspectors
- work with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous partners and industry to identify, limit interference with, and protect critical trade transportation corridors and infrastructure
- develop and implement new technologies like the Regulatory Oversight Management (ROM) system to:
  - improve operational efficiency
  - drive innovation
  - use data to manage future security risks, and
  - improve our ability to make data-driven decisions

Improving how we regulate the transportation of dangerous goods

Continue delivering and improving our programs and initiatives that support the safe transportation of dangerous goods
Support laws to improve enforcement tools, create new pathways for industry compliance, and help authorities to adapt to changing needs and circumstances
Update the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations to:
- align with international and domestic requirements
- allow electronic shipping documents
- update approved means of containment and their standards
Continue improving our oversight abilities by:
- improving the quality of data, plus how we analyze and report on it
- increasing deployment of inspectors and others;
- creating specialized dangerous goods training, inspection standards and other resources, and
- using a risk-based approach for inspections
Focus on technical research in priority areas of concern, including:
- transportation of dangerous good by rail;
- lithium batteries and energy storage systems;
- means of containment; and
- emergency response
Develop and implement tools to assess safety risks associated with transportation of dangerous goods to:
- drive innovation;
- use data to manage future safety risks and
- improve our ability to make data- and risk-driven decisions.
Continue engaging with industry, the public, municipalities, first responders and Indigenous groups to help us develop new policies and regulations, including:
- Emergency Response Assistance Plans
- Assessment and deployment of Remedial Measures Specialists (RMS) to address accidents and mitigate risks, and
- Readiness for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) events
Continue working with domestic and international partners to:
- improve access to data on road shipments to improve how we identify and target regulated communities, and
- share research and knowledge of mutual benefit
Continue establishing the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Grants and Contributions Program to:
- develop emergency response capabilities, with a special focus on rural, remote, and isolated areas, and
- promote awareness, outreach, and education on transporting dangerous goods

Addressing vehicle cyber security

Continue working with other federal departments, provinces and territories, industry, cyber security experts, and international partners to promote strong vehicle cyber security practices, including priorities listed in our Vehicle Cyber Security Strategy
Monitor vehicle cyber security regulations as they develop internationally
Continue giving guidance to Canadian companies to help them maintain a strong cyber security posture
Support the government’s National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft by proposing theft-related updates to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

Result 3 ‒ A modern safety and security regime that supports economic growth

Updating Canada’s aviation safety and security regimes

Continue modernizing our services to better meet the needs of clients and stakeholders, including innovative tools, technologies, and service delivery methods that:
- expand our online service
- streamline delivery
- improve accessibility, and
- make sure our operations are sustainable for the long-term
Continue investing in research projects in partnership with National Research Council to inform our approach to drone-related policies and regulations
Launch a new time tracking and billing system to collect aircraft certification revenues based on recent updates to Canadian Aviation Regulation (CAR) 104
Continue digitizing and modernizing the aviation medical process to be more efficient and better serve clients
Continue developing modern and efficient training for medical examiners that focuses on key topics of industry concern like mental health
Support Electronic Pilot Licensing to give pilots and air traffic controllers secure, internationally compliant digital credentials
Replace physical booklets and stickers with a simple, digital solution, that:
- aligns with ICAO standards
- reduces service delays and eliminates physical mail, and
- simplifies the update process
Make progress on our Simulation Modernization Project, including:
- launching new training technologies like Extended Reality (XR), and
- updating regulations to align with new simulator technologies and training methods
Continue testing, refining and implementing the Air Right Touch Initiative, including:
- working internationally to develop standards for using digital identities and biometrics, and
- incorporating the initiative into our aviation security oversight framework

Making marine safety and security oversight more efficient and effective

Safety and security inspectors on a boat

Expand the new Canadian Register of Vessels System to support large vessels and allow clients to submit their applications online and significantly reduce the administrative overhead
Update the Marine Safety FeesRegulations to:
- list marine safety fees in one place;
- reduce the number of fees for domestic vessel inspections; and
- encourage vessel owners and crews to be prepared for inspection visits to make inspections quicker and reducing the need for repeated inspections
Continue improving how we deliver services by developing and using new digital tools that will:
- make operations more efficient
- reduce manual data entry
- improve reporting
- enhance client service, and
- better support evidence-based decisions

Planned resources to achieve results

Table 4 Planned resources to achieve results for Safe and secure transportation system

Table 4 provides a summary of the planned spending and full-time equivalents required to achieve results.

Resource	Planned
Spending	$ 529,949,198
Full-time equivalents	3,565

Complete financial and human resources for Transport Canada’s program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Gender-based analysis plus

Transport Canada’s safety and security programs will undertake the following activities to support the development of responsive and inclusive policies, programs, and other initiatives:

Transport Canada continues to assess the social and economic impacts of its regulatory proposals on various groups of Canadians
The department will continue to actively participate in the Multi-Modal Diversity and Inclusion Safety and Security Committee
The department will ensure breadth of expertise and representation on the Aviation Medical Review Board, including Indigenous health, to provide safe and effective aviation certification recommendations
Continued investment in the Marine Training Program to support under-represented groups—including Indigenous Peoples, Northerners, and women—in launching their careers in the marine industry
The department will also continue as an active member of the International Maritime Organization’s Gender Equality Network, advocating to increase the representation of women and other under-represented groups in the maritime sector domestically and internationally

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Transport Canada, through achieving its results, will advance the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

The TDG Directorate's ongoing activities will support the United Nations' Third Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals and to prevent contamination of air, water, and soil through the mitigation of spills, releases, and other incidents related to dangerous goods.

More information on Transport Canada’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our DepartmentalSustainable Development Strategy.

Program inventory

A safe and secure transportation system is supported by the following programs:

Aircraft Services
Aviation Safety Oversight
Aviation Safety Regulatory Framework
Aviation Security Oversight
Aviation Security Regulatory Framework
Emergency Management
Marine Safety Oversight
Marine Safety Regulatory Framework
Marine Security Oversight
Marine Security Regulatory Framework
Multi-Modal and Road Safety Oversight
Multi-Modal and Road Safety Regulatory Framework
National Enforcement Program
National Security and Intelligence Programs
Rail Safety Improvement Program
Rail Safety Oversight
Rail Safety Regulatory Framework
Rail Security Program
Security Clearances
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Oversight
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulatory Framework
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Technical Support

Additional information related to the program inventory for a safe and secure transportation system is available on the Results page on GC InfoBase.

Summary of changes to reporting framework since last year

The following changes were made under Core Responsibility 1: A safe and secure transportation system:

Two departmental result indicators were updated as follows:

“Time to revoke Transportation Security Clearances” changed to “Percentage of existing Transportation Security Clearances statuses reviewed, in compliance with established timelines, following receipt of adverse information.”
“Total number of Transportation Security Clearance (TSC) Applications processed versus TSC Applications received” changed to “Percentage of non-complex Transportation Security Clearance applications processed within published service standards.”

The following programs were established:

National Security and Intelligence Program
National Enforcement Program

The following programs were merged into the Rail Security Program:

Intermodal Surface Security Oversight and
Intermodal Surface Security Regulatory Framework

The following program changed its name:

Security Screening Certification changed to Security Clearances