Minister Garneau clears Santa for take-off! 

Travel plans include distraction-free driving and extra care near Canada’s coasts and waterways

December 19, 2017                 Ottawa                    Transport Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, has reviewed and approved Santa’s flight plan for his upcoming trip around-the-world. Transport Canada’s on-site inspector and medical examiner also agree that the eco-sleigh passes inspection and Santa and his reindeer are fit to fly.

Santa took the pledge to Leave the Phone Alone, and his cellphone is on “Airplane Mode” so calls and messages don’t distract him while he is holding the reins.

As requested by Minister Garneau, Santa will reduce his speed over Canada’s coasts and waterways. He promised that all his reindeer will travel at a rate of 10 trots (equivalent to 10 knots) while travelling in the western Gulf of St. Lawrence to ensure the safety of any curious whales. The Government of Canada also launched the Oceans Protection Plan to protect our waterways and to remove abandoned boats and wrecks from our coasts to keep Santa and his reindeer safe during water landings.

Throughout the summer, Elf Dronita helped Santa install No Drone Zone signs around the North Pole Airport’s perimeter fences to remind recreational drone users to fly at least 5.5 km from the airport. Santa joins Minister Garneau in asking everyone who receives a drone this holiday season to learn the rules of the skies and stay up to date on the latest drone safety regulations. New rules will come into force in 2018, so stay current by visiting: www.Canada.ca/drone-safety.