The Advancing Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in Canada Initiative helps promote the benefits and manage the risks of evolving aircraft technologies, such as RPAS that carry goods or collect data or images, while also continuing to deliver services under Transport Canada's existing RPAS program.
In the near-term, this initiative will help the RPAS sector innovate safely by:
- developing regulatory frameworks and supporting programs
- enabling operational approvals that support the sector's growth, and
- engaging domestic and international stakeholders to promote policy alignment, where appropriate
Summary
As required by the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, Transport Canada completed a strategic environmental assessment to evaluate the environmental effects of the Advancing RPAS in Canada Initiative. The assessment took into account the environmental goals and targets of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. The assessment found the initiative could have a limited positive environmental impact, mostly by helping to reduce emissions and resist climate change effects.
Reducing emissions
In the short term, expanding the use of RPAS, especially in longer-range uses like beyond visual line of sight operations, may lead to a slight increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to the use of gas or hybrid electric systems.
Over the long-term, a moderate reduction in emissions is expected as technology improves and RPAS begin offering more fuel-efficient transportation options compared to conventional aircraft. For example, using zero-emission RPAS to carry goods within Canada could result in modest emissions reductions over the next 10 to 15 years.
Resisting the effects of climate change
RPAS are becoming an important part of data gathering to help monitor and protect the environment from the effects of climate change. Due to Canada's vast size and thawing permafrost that affects ice roads, RPAS can also support supply chains by helping remote communities access goods, and possibly provide last-mile delivery in the long term.
Given the frequency of extreme weather due to climate change, RPAS are expected to support public safety and help emergency responders by:
- helping them access hard-to-reach places during natural disasters
- helping search and rescue operations, and
- improving the data gathered for public safety
Ties to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
This initiative supports the 2022-2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Goal 9, which aims to foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada. Specifically, it supports Goal 9 by:
- emphasizing investments which support switching to zero-emission aviation solutions
- promoting a shift within Canada's industrial sectors toward a low-carbon model, and
- aligning with international efforts to reduce international aviation emissions
Enhancement and mitigation measures
The environmental effects of RPAS will be studied and their environmental impact managed through:
- research and development (R&D)
- trials, and
- working with stakeholders
For example, the initiative will study RPAS noise and visual pollution to gain a better understanding of these potential environmental concerns. Additionally, the development of regulations, policies and standards which allow Canada's RPAS sector to grow will consider potential environmental effects indicated by R&D activities or trials. Finally, working with international stakeholder bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization will help ensure the initiative continues to align with United Nation Sustainable Development Goals.
Follow-up and monitoring
Follow-up and monitoring activities to ensure this initiative continues to align with the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy's goals may include monitoring industry developments and the progress of R&D activities through existing reporting mechanisms. Research on environmental effects will also be published, when appropriate.