News
Feds streamline aviation security regulations
Jan. 4, 2012, Ottawa - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that the Government of Canada is taking steps to streamline the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations and ensure they reflect the current aviation security environment.
January 4, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
"While current aviation security regulations are robust, our government is committed to improving them, making them as clear, user-friendly and efficient as possible while maintaining a high level of security," said Minister Lebel. "These initial changes further align our regulations to meet International Civil Aviation Organization commitments and reflect extensive consultation with industry stakeholders."
The Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 take a phased-in approach, beginning with the introduction of aviation security programs at airports. These programs contain elements for security management, including clear policy direction, an airport security awareness program, an airport security committee, defined security roles and responsibilities, and management of sensitive aviation security information. While many of these systems and practices exist now, aviation security programs will formalize them and help industry manage and support aviation security in a comprehensive, integrated, coordinated and risk-based manner.
"Canadian airports play a key role in aviation security," said Daniel-Robert Gooch, president of the Canadian Airports Council. "Aviation security programs need to move away from a one-size fits all approach, adopt a risk-based approach to security, formalize the management of security, and set out clear roles and responsibilities among aviation security partners at an airport."
These changes will be seamless for travellers. 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 new regulations are part of an ongoing review of Canada's aviation security regulations. This review is expected to include aviation security programs for other industry sectors, including air carriers, by 2015.
