Government of Canada enhances air traveller security

The Government of Canada will provide $1.5 billion over five years to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to enhance Canadian aviation security, through Canada's Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC).

"The terrorist attack that took place just two months ago today was a stark reminder for governments to remain vigilant about aviation security," said Baird. "Our government is unwavering in our determination to keep all Canadians safe and secure from terrorism, and we are taking the necessary measures to meet this goal."

Following the December 25, 2009, terrorist attack on a flight headed to Detroit, the Government of Canada took additional steps to strengthen aviation security, such as introducing new full body scanners, proceeding with the intention to develop a passenger behaviour observation program, and strengthening explosive trace detection. The Government of Canada also introduced measures to meet new U.S. rules for U.S.-bound flights from Canada and joined multinational discussions on global aviation security.

To ensure that CATSA is fulfilling its mandate effectively, the Government of Canada also announced today that it will launch a full review of the spending, efficiency and structure of this Crown corporation. Details of the review will be forthcoming. CATSA is responsible for the pre-board screening of passengers and their belongings; baggage screening through airport explosives detection systems; and screening and tracking of non-passengers entering airport restricted areas.

"Canadians expect the government to manage aviation security in an efficient and effective manner," said Rob Merrifield, Minister of State for Transport. "While CATSA will be receiving additional funding, it will also undergo a thorough expert review to ensure that the Government of Canada realizes those objectives."

The review will include significant stakeholder participation and will examine the effectiveness of the hundreds of millions of dollars invested annually in CATSA, in order to determine whether alternative models would better serve the needs of industry and the travelling public.

In recent years, air security technology and personnel at airports have evolved substantially. For example:

• all baggage is now screened with modern explosives detection X-ray equipment and a number are further screened by CT technology, compared to only selected bags being screened in 2003 using very basic X-ray equipment;
• there are over 80 per cent more screening officers at airports today than in 2003; and
• the number of screening lines at airports was increased by approximately 20 per cent from 2003 to 2010.

In the coming fiscal year, with the approval of Parliament, the Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC) will increase to match the demand of security costs. Industry and passengers can expect these user fee rates to increase, starting at $2.58 for one-way domestic flights, $4.37 for transborder flights and $8.91 for other international flights. CATSA will use these funds to implement existing and new security measures. The Government of Canada will submit an annual report to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities on the ATSC.