No. H083/05
For release April 20, 2005
OTTAWA - Transport Minister Jean C. Lapierre today announced that Canada will be audited under the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Universal Security Audit Programme.
An audit of Canada's aviation security system, with an emphasis on legislation, policy, regulation,
organizational arrangements and security measures being carried out at airports, is scheduled to begin in
May 2005. The audit will assess Canada's implementation of international aviation security
standards and determine the extent to which Canada's aviation security program is sustainable
through legislation, policy, and inspection and enforcement capabilities.
"I'm very pleased to announce Canada's early participation in the ICAO audit program," said Mr. Lapierre. "In addition to ensuring that we continue to meet or exceed ICAO standards, our participation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to transportation safety and security and reaffirms Canada's role as a world leader in aviation security."
The Universal Security Audit Programme is a program that promotes a greater understanding of systemic security issues in the international aviation community and builds confidence in aviation security. In addition, the program helps enhance security by identifying security deficiencies in member countries and by urging corrective action. Initially, Canada had not been slated to be an early participant in the program, but petitioned the ICAO for an early audit to demonstrate support for the initiative. Results of the audit will help Canada identify priority areas for continued improvement in our system and will be factored into future decisions on new aviation security requirements.
The Government of Canada has committed more than $2.2 billion towards enhancing aviation security since 2001. This latest initiative builds on previous actions taken, including the creation of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, enhanced pre-board screening for passengers and carry-on baggage, reinforcement of cockpit doors, and the installation of advanced explosives detection systems at Canadian airports. Budget 2005 also included $16 million towards the implementation of aviation security provisions in the
Public Safety Act, 2002.
A backgrounder with information on the Universal Security Audit Programme is attached.
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Contacts:
Irène Marcheterre
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700
Vanessa Vermette
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
(613) 993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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BACKGROUNDER
INTERNATIONAL
CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION
UNIVERSAL SECURITY AUDIT PROGRAMME
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), headquartered in Montreal, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was created in 1944 to promote cooperation between states and develop a safe and orderly international civil aviation system. Canada was an original signatory to the convention that established ICAO.
ICAO establishes and actively promotes compliance with international Standards and Recommended Practices and Procedures for Air Navigation Services for the safety, security and efficiency of international air transportation. Canada is a leading member of ICAO and, as a "Contracting State," (one of 188) has adopted these standards and procedures.
ICAO established the Universal Security Audit Programme in June 2002 with the objective of promoting global aviation security through the auditing of Contracting States on a regular basis to determine the status of implementation of ICAO's Annex 17 Standards. Audits are conducted at both the national and airport levels in order to evaluate both a state's aviation security oversight capabilities and the actual security measures in place at selected key airports.
The program helps enhance security by identifying potential deficiencies in security oversight systems of member countries and by urging action for resolving any such deficiencies. The program also promotes greater understanding of systemic security issues and builds confidence in aviation security around the world.
Canada has provided leadership, funding, personnel and technical assistance to help develop and implement the Universal Security Audit Programme. Participation in the program directly contributes to Canada's aviation security policy objectives, is consistent with the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to transportation safety and security, and reflects Canada's strong support for the program.
April 2005
