No. H 065/09
For release - May 5, 2009
OTTAWA - New aviation security measures will protect Canadians and enhance efficiency so that Canada's airports and air carriers remain competitive internationally. The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture), today announced that the Government of Canada is investing $358.7 million this year to create a more secure and efficient air transportation system for Canadians.
"Our government is committed to the security of our airports and the people who use them," said Minister Merrifield. "This investment in aviation security represents a major step forward in protecting Canadians while supporting economic growth through the efficient flow of passengers and goods."
Funding in the amount of $355.8 million for 2009-2010 will help the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority (CATSA) to strengthen and improve the efficiency of airport security screening operations and technology. The Government of Canada will also invest $2.9 million to support the initiation of airport security plans as a priority this year.
"Airport security plans will promote the coordination and integration of airport security, something that will greatly benefit travellers at airports across the country," said Minister Blackburn. "These new initiatives show that the Government of Canada is committed to strengthening aviation security on all fronts."
Strengthening airport security is an important part of Transport Canada's ongoing commitment to protect the travelling public, the aviation industry, aviation workers and infrastructure. The airport security plan initiative supports that goal by ensuring that security requirements and mitigation strategies are developed and clearly outlined, and that airport operators' and tenants' roles and responsibilities are clarified.
"This is indeed a very good day for aviation security in Canada. Air travellers will not only be more secure as a result of this investment – this demonstration of support will also keep our country among world leaders in this global industry," said Kevin McGarr, President and CEO of CATSA.
The new measures will ensure that Canada remains closely aligned with the security measures of its key international partners, and will support the Canadian air transportation industry to help it remain competitive internationally.
Backgrounders with further information are attached.
- 30 -
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
A secure and efficient aviation system is important to Canadians. New and enhanced aviation security initiatives are needed to strengthen the security of Canadians; to ensure that Canada remains closely aligned with the security measures of its key international partners; and to ensure that the Canadian air transportation industry remains competitive internationally.
Budget 2009 announced that $2.9 million would be set aside to support the development of aviation security plans. For the coming year, the priority will be the initiation of airport security plans. This work follows pilot projects undertaken in the past year with several airports. Strengthening airport security is an important part of Transport Canada's ongoing commitment to protect the travelling public, the aviation industry, aviation workers and infrastructure.
The airport security plan initiative was inspired by the findings and recommendations in Flight Plan: Managing the Risks in Aviation Security, the Report of the Advisory Panel on the review of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Act (www.tc.gc.ca/tcss/CATSA/Final_Report-Rapport_final/final_report_e.htm), and is consistent with international standards and practices.
This initiative will enhance airport security by ensuring that security requirements and mitigation strategies are developed and clearly outlined, that airport operators' and tenants' roles and responsibilities are clarified and documented, and that the entire security regime at airports is thoroughly documented.
Airport security plans will complement other Transport Canada airport security requirements that will continue to apply to airport operators, tenants and to the public at airports. Transport Canada is also working on streamlining regulations, and will continue to inspect security at airports and take enforcement action when appropriate.
Because no two airports are identical, airports will be able to tailor airport security plans to address their specific facilities, security needs and operations, rather than be subjected to a one-size-fits-all security regime.
Transport Canada is committed to working directly with airports and other stakeholders on this initiative.
May 2009
CATSA must be able to ensure that Canada's screening technology and standards remain compatible with international partners, and that Canadian airports and air carriers become and remain competitive internationally. Additional oversight personnel funded through this initiative will also enhance CATSA's ability to provide nationally consistent and effective screening programs.
The Government of Canada is supporting CATSA with $355.8 million in funding so that it can move forward with the following initiatives:
