News
Strengthening Airport Emergency Response

Nov. 29, 2007, Ottawa, Ont. — Regulatory amendments requiring all certified Canadian
airports to follow a clear and consistent set of criteria when
developing and evaluating emergency response plans were announced today
by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities.

The amendments include provisions for ensuring a more formal
approach to airport emergency planning and for how the plans are
tested. While information on emergency response planning is currently
included in the airport operations manual of each certified airport in
Canada, this measure ensures specific details of the plan's content are
covered under the regulations.

"Transport Canada is committed to continually improving safety so
that travellers feel safe when flying to and from Canadian airports,"
said Minister Cannon. "These regulatory amendments demonstrate our
government's commitment to protecting Canadians and highlight the
importance of planning to respond effectively to potential emergencies."

Emergency response plans must now include outlines of potential
emergency scenarios and how each type of emergency will be handled, and
identify airport and community organizations that are able to provide
assistance during an emergency. As well, aircraft crash charts for each
type of aircraft that uses the airport must be available in the plans.

The proposed regulatory changes were published in the Canada Gazette,
Part I on October 7, 2006. A 30–day response period followed, during
which time interested parties were invited to comment on the
amendments. After careful consideration of all comments, Transport
Canada has finalized the regulations and the changes were published in
the Canada Gazette, Part II on
November 28, 2007.