Transport Canada is responsible for the Government of Canada's transportation policies and programs. The Department develops legislative and regulatory frameworks, and conducts transportation oversight through legislative, regulatory, surveillance and enforcement activities. While not directly responsible for all aspects or modes of transportation, the Department plays a leadership role to ensure that all parts of the transportation system across Canada work together effectively.
Oversight Program Description
Our role in safety and security.
The Safety and Security Group’s program lifecycle and policy suite
Key components of our policy and program lifecycle, and how it works together.
2019-2020 Integrated National Oversight Plan
The Integrated National Oversight Plan gives an overview of the plans and work environment for the oversight activities of Transport Canada’s Safety and Security programs.
2020-2021 Integrated Plan for Regulatory Framework and Oversight
The Integrated Plan for Regulatory Framework and Oversight provides an overview as well as operational context of Transport Canada’s Safety and Security branch’s two key areas: regulatory frameworks and oversight.
Oversight Program Description and Delivery (OPDD)
Descriptions of how each program oversees the transportation system, as well as the related source data from the Canadian Centre on Transportation Data (CCTD).
| Program | Fiscal Year 2024-2025 | Fiscal Year 2023-2024 | Fiscal Year 2022-2023 | Canadian Centre on Transportation Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Security | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD | CCTD |
| Civil Aviation | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD | CCTD |
| Marine Safety and Security | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD | CCTD |
| Motor Vehicle Safety | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD | CCTD |
| Rail Safety | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD | CCTD |
| Surface and Intermodal Security | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD | CCTD |
| Transportation of Dangerous Goods | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD | CCTD |
Previous OPDDs
| Program | Fiscal Year 2017-2018 | Fiscal Year 2018-2019 | Fiscal Year 2021-2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Security | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD |
| Civil Aviation | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD |
| Marine Safety and Security | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD |
| Motor Vehicle Safety | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD |
| Rail Safety | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD |
| Surface and Intermodal Security | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD |
| Transportation of Dangerous Goods | OPDD | OPDD | OPDD |
Transport Canada Advisory Committees
Transport Canada has established a number of committees that advise the department in various ways, as outlined in their terms of reference.
- Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council
- The Canadian Drone Advisory Committee (CanaDAC)
- The Safety Management International Collaboration Group (SMICG)
- Canadian Marine Advisory Council
- Advisory Council on Railway Safety
Responses to Transportation Safety Board Recommendations
We are required by law to respond to safety recommendations made by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) after an accident or incident. These responses explain how we have addressed or will address safety deficiencies identified by the Board.
Memoranda of Understanding
Transport Canada has several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with various organizations to conduct oversight activities such as inspections, surveillance and policy guidance.
Aviation
- Inspection, Surveillance and Provision of Regulatory Services to Extra-regional Air operators
- International Agreements and Arrangements
Rail
Internal Audit Reports
Internal audit reports, management responses, action plans.
Transport Canada Consultations
Your opinion is important to us. Help us develop transportation related policies, programs and services for Canada.
Transport Canada Evaluation Reports
Covering a wide variety of transportation issues, our evaluation reports make recommendations intended to help the Government of Canada design and deliver programs and services that are accountable, focused on results, and meet the needs of Canadian citizens.
2018-2019 Departmental Results Report (including performance indicators)
This report assesses our performance against the plan and priorities outlined in the Departmental Plan. This includes key performance indicators for Safety and Security Programs which are located in the Results: what we achieved section.
Contact Safety and Security Programs at Transport Canada
Transport Canada is committed to excellence in our processes and practices. We strive for continuous improvement in dealing with our regulated parties and stakeholders. This section provides you a brief overview of how Transport Canada Safety and Security programs handle public questions, comments and complaints.
Compliance
Our approaches to promote compliance to safety and security requirements.
Inspectors’ Manuals
Transport Canada officers use manuals and instructions to conduct inspections of the transportation system.
- Aviation
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Education and Outreach
How we communicate safety and security information to Canadians (the public, the transportation industries, researchers).
- Aviation
- Marine
- Road
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Industry Guidance
We guide transportation industries on how to follow safe and secure practices and meet our requirements.
- Rail
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
- Marine
- Aviation
Delegated Officers and Organizations
Official organizations who are designated by Transport Canada to conduct inspections and issue licenses or certificates to transportation industries or personnel.
Motor Vehicle Compliance Reports
Each year, Transport Canada selects vehicles to test for specific Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). The tests verify that manufacturers are meetings the requirements under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Safety Management System
A safety management system (SMS) is a documented framework for integrating safety into day-to-day company operations. A safety management system generally includes several elements such as a safety policy, safety targets, a risk assessment process and monitoring procedures.
- Aviation
- Rail
- Marine
Previous SMS Summary
- Aviation
- Rail
- Marine
Inspection Summary Reports
Transport Canada’s Safety and Security Programs use inspections to verify that companies are complying with legislation, rules and regulations.
- Aviation Security
- Civil Aviation
- Surface and Intermodal Security
- Rail
- Marine Safety
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Previous Inspection Summary Reports
- Civil Aviation
- Surface and Intermodal Security
Enforcement
Departmental Enforcement Standards are issued by the Centre of Enforcement Expertise. The Standards are intended to ensure consistency in how Transport Canada enforces the legislation and regulations for which it is responsible. Measures we take to bring transportation industries back into compliance with our safety and security requirements:
Transport Canada’s Enforcement Policy
This document provides the public an overview of the overarching Transport Canada enforcement policy used when an enforcement response is required.
Centre of Enforcement Expertise Desk Book
A source for enforcement standards, guidelines and best practices to ensure consistency in how Transport Canada’s enforcement is understood and applied.
Types of Enforcement Actions and Immediate Risk Reduction Measures
How we respond to non-compliance to our requirements and address immediate threats or risks to the safety or security of the transportation system.
Statutory Enforcement Actions
When Transport Canada determines, through a risk assessment, that there could be an immediate threat to the safety or security of the transportation system, they take these actions to mitigate the situation.
- Aviation
- Marine
- Rail
- Road
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Administrative Monetary Penalties
Monetary penalties issued to industries that do not comply with safety and security legislative and regulatory requirements.
Research and Innovation
Information on research and science that contribute to transportation safety and security.
Innovation Centre
A research, development and deployment organization that supports technology to ensure Canadians can benefit from a safe, secure, and clean transportation system.
Transport Canada Research and Program Funding
Transport Canada programs support our commitment to a safe and secure transportation system that's environmentally responsible and innovative.
Motor Vehicle Safety Research Documents
Research, safety tests and best practices regarding motor vehicle safety.
Automated and Connected Vehicles Gateway
A network of partners within and outside government interested in discussing automated/connected vehicles to make a productive space to create awareness, encourage cooperation and support collective action within a secure environment.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Leadership Structure
Transport Canada committees making decisions impacting safety and security Programs.
Leadership Structure at Transport Canada and Safety and Security Group
How recommendations and decisions flow through senior management committees.
Open Government
Open Data, Open Information, Open Maps.
Search data on Open Data
Find Transport Canada datasets and download them in a variety of formats, such as Excel, CVS, and more, including other documentation, such as data descriptions and guidance documents.
Search information on Open Information
Find Transport Canada documents published on Open Information.
Search maps on Open Maps
Find Transport Canada geospatial data, access it in a variety of formats, or display it in the Open Maps data viewer.