The transition from the role of operator to leader: 1986 - present

The past 30 years have seen significant change at Transport Canada (TC). The needs of the Canadian transportation industry have evolved rapidly, and TC has been there every step of the way, making adjustments in policy and operations to meet demands.

One of the most significant changes over the last 30 years is TC’s transition from the role of operator to leader and policy maker. A new TC that promotes a Canadian transportation system that is responsive to the country's changing needs has been built. The Department has faced, and will continue to face, this challenge head-on to provide Canadians with a safe, secure, efficient, sustainable and competitive transportation system.

A modern organization

Privatizing and commercializing some parts of TC are initiatives that forever changed the essential role of this department and the Canadian transportation system. No longer focused on operating major portions of the transportation system, TC has re-oriented itself into a structure that emphasizes strong policy and safety direction with client-oriented service.

This new orientation allows local airports, ports, airlines, and ferries to do what they do best. With their local knowledge and talent, they are better able to foresee and react to the needs of Canadians. In enabling and facilitating, TC can now play a strategic role of helping to ensure a safe, secure, efficient and modern transportation system through policy, legislation, and strategic funding.

Where TC was once a large part of the Government of Canada with over 20,000 employees, in 2016, it has just over 5,100 employees.

Several changes took place over decades, with careful consideration and transfer of day to day responsibilities, some being assigned to other federal departments and others replaced by technology.

Technology to lead in the 21^st century

Technology is a driver of innovation and the economy, and TC has worked to ensure Canada remains a world leader. All modes of transportation have seen improvements, and the department has worked to keep ahead of the curve.

For example, the aviation industry has undergone significant changes. From improving security at airport check-ins, to better air navigation systems, to the modern planes and unmanned aircraft that fly our skies today, TC has ensured that Canada is ready. As aircraft become more sophisticated, TC worked to keep training up to date, collaborated with international partners, and supported airports in meeting the needs of these changing aircraft.

The last 30 years have seen an increased emphasis on technology, and TC has been keeping pace. For example, the Blainville Motor Vehicle Test Centre is the only one of its kind in Canada. The findings of tests carried out at the centre are shared with the automotive industry to help reduce road casualties both in Canada and the world, leading to better health and safety outcomes for Canadians.The innovative technology supported through TC's Intelligent Transportation Systems Plan has improved the safety, efficiency, and competitiveness of our transportation system overall, creating the potential for improved social, economic and environmental results in the future.

Safeguarding our environment

Canadians, TC, and the Government of Canada have recognized that our environment needs to be safeguarded for the future. Over the last 30 years, TC has increased its efforts to promote sustainable transportation across all modes with the philosophy that prevention is the first line of defence. 

TC's list of accomplishments includes increased vehicle efficiency, improved response capabilities for marine spills, and the incorporation of environmental concerns into the development of our programs, policies, and services.

TC is working hard to reduce emissions and has recently developed the Airport Carbon Emissions Reporting Tool (ACERT), available to over 1600 airports worldwide for conducting greenhouse gas emissions inventories. For the first time, TC is looking into regulating air pollutant emissions from locomotives. 

Other recent notable projects include:

• the completion of the Rock Bay Remediation Project, removing 90,000 tonnes of contaminated sediments in the last decade British Columbia;
• the creation of the EcoTECHNOLOGY (eTV) for Vehicles Program, which proactively test advanced vehicle technologies to develop safety and environmental regulations, as well as industry codes and standards;
• the creation of the National Environmental Management System, which outlines how TC manages its environmental obligations. The system also outlines how operations impact the environment, the steps taken to reduce that impact, and monitors TC’s environmental performance, used to track progress and results.

Creating jobs, strengthening our economy

TC recognizes that to remain competitive in today's global economy it must support world-class infrastructure to ensure the seamless flow of people, goods and services on our roads and bridges, and through our border crossings, transit systems, ports and gateways.

As our markets open up to new opportunities and international trade agreements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement , TC continues to ensure that no unnecessary regulations are put in place that would limit competitiveness. TC has successfully worked with international partners to make sure that Canada's policies, programs, legislation and regulations are strengthened, and harmonized in a way that reduces trade barriers.

Increasing safety and security

Canada’s transportation network is among the safest and most secure in the world. Over the years, TC has transitioned to the role of leader and policy maker as it has worked closely with industry stakeholders, all levels of government, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, and international partners. 

Specifically, the department has improved safety in all modes of transportation, simplified existing regulations without compromising safety, and increased public awareness.

Examples include:

• implementing Fire and Boat Drills Regulations to ensure vessel passengers and crew better understand what to do in case of an emergency;
• proposing regulations to require certain Canadian passenger and cargo vessels to install Voyage Data Recorders;
• conducting further safety assessments with stakeholders in areas of higher risk for train-vehicle collisions;
• introducing regulations to require aircraft to have alarms to warn the crew when they risk colliding with land and water; 
• continuing to emphasize the central importance of Safety Management Systems; and
• conducting changes to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, giving TC the power to order companies to issue vehicle recalls.

Since 9/11, TC has taken important steps to increase and strengthen aviation, marine, and surface security.

One of the government's major responses was the creation of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) the year following the tragedy. Other improvements in aviation security include creating a list of persons who may pose an immediate threat to aviation security and preventing them from boarding commercial aircraft; using body scanners to provide an alternative to manual pat-downs and to better detect dangerous objects concealed by passengers; and improving air cargo screening to ensure shipments are protected from the threat of terrorism.

More recently, TC has made a significant effort to help Canadians better understand the rules around drones and has developed regulations for their use into Canadian airspace. The department also launched the Not a Bright Idea awareness campaign to increase the safety of pilots by informing Canadians of the dangers and consequences of pointing a laser at aircraft. TC also made changes to seaplane regulations, and improved passenger experience by implementing the One Stop Security arrangement to speed up connections for travellers.

On the marine security front, TC has also made significant improvements such as funding Transit Secure, a contribution program created in 2007 that targeted the high-volume passenger areas of commuter rail and urban transit; developing a series of voluntary security standards (codes of practice) and security guidance documents; and changing regulations, like the International Bridges and Tunnels Act to meet any threats on these important infrastructures.

The Department has also increased surface security by safeguarding the integrity, efficiency and security of Canada's marine and ferry transportation system against unlawful interference, terrorist attacks, or use as a means to attack our allies; contributing funding to ports and port facilities to help with security enhancements; and establishing coastal marine security operations centres. More recently, amendments were made to the Small Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations to improve safety.

Lac-Mégantic

TC has acted to increase rail safety following the tragedy of the Lac-Mégantic derailment in July 2013. Following the accident, the department took immediate steps to protect Canadians and the communities along our country's railway lines. These steps include the implementation of several new regulations, and actions such as:

• creating a new rail tank car for flammable liquids and remove or refit tank cars that do not meet new safety standards;
• requiring railway companies to enhance rules on train securement and to reduce the speed of trains carrying dangerous goods;
• simulating train derailments exercises and provide training for first responders dealing with dangerous goods;
• hiring more inspectors and conducting more frequent and thorough inspections of rails and trains;
• upgrading 400 grade crossings across the country; and
• requiring railways to provide municipalities and first responders with even more data on dangerous goods to improve emergency planning, risk assessments, and training.

In October 2016, TC announced the new Rail Safety Improvement Program, a comprehensive approach to improving the safety of rail transportation across Canada. This program supports research, studies and analysis that will contribute to a better understanding of behaviour, attitudes and impact of rail safety issues including post-accident community trauma assessment.

Looking ahead

The last 30 years have set the tone for the future - Canada will continue to be a world leader in transport related technologies, infrastructure, policies, and legislation.

TC’s key priorities for the future include:

• Providing greater choice, better service, lower costs, and new rights for travellers.
• Building competitive, safe, and environmentally sustainable marine corridors and enhance northern transportation infrastructure.
• Improving the performance of our transportation system to get products to markets to grow Canada’s economy.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and embrace new technologies to improve Canadians’ lives.
• Building a safer, more secure transportation system that Canadians trust.

In 2016, TC launched a public consultation with Canadians to hear their views and discuss ideas to develop a long-term agenda for transportation in Canada. This was, in part, a result of the tabling of the Canada Transportation Act (CTA) Review Report, which identified priorities and potential actions in transportation to support Canada’s long-term economic well-being.

As part of this consultation process, roundtables were hosted across the country about:

1. Safer transportation;
2. Trade corridors to global markets;
3. Green and innovative transportation;
4. The traveller; and,
5. Waterways, coasts and the North.

The input received through these consultations plays a major role in defining the future of transportation in Canada. TC is proud of the work accomplished so far, and is confident that it will keep providing a transportation system that is accessible, safe, secure, efficient, environmentally responsible, and most of all, ready for the future.

Transport Canada celebrates 80 years of leadership in transportation