Amendments to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 for airport security programs and non-passenger screening

Amendments ensure the highest international aviation security standards for Canadian travellers.

OTTAWA, July 2, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced amendments to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 to strengthen airport security and non-passenger screening programs at Canadian airports.

The airport security program amendments introduce new requirements for airport operators that are designated for security screening. The amendments were made following extensive consultations with stakeholders and further enhance Canada's aviation security framework, as well as facilitate compliance.

The amendments to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012, require that non-passengers enter restricted areas in airports only at access points where the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority (CATSA) is conducting screening. These amendments will enhance Canada's overall aviation security program.

These changes will be seamless for travellers. Strengthening aviation security is an important part of Transport Canada's ongoing commitment to protect the travelling public, the aviation industry, its workers and infrastructure.

Quick Facts

• Amendments to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Aviation Security Programs) were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in April 2013.
• After allowing time for consultation, the amendments were published in Canada Gazette, Part II, on July 2, 2014.
• Since early 2013, Transport Canada has consulted with air carriers, operators of aerodromes, the Canadian Airports Council and CATSA on the enhancements to the non-passenger screening program.

Quote

"Aviation security is a top priority for Transport Canada. We constantly review and update our regulations to maintain a secure air transportation system and meet international standards."

The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport

Related Products

• Backgrounders
• Canada Gazette, Part II http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2014/2014-07-02/html/index-eng.php

Backgrounder
Amendment to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Non-Passenger Screening)

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is responsible for screening non-passengers (e.g. airport and airline workers, maintenance staff, retailers) and their belongings before they enter airport restricted areas to meet Transport Canada's regulations.

A more stringent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard for screening and security controls for non-passengers came into effect in July 2013. The ICAO standard requires member countries to ensure that non-passengers and items they carry are subject to screening and security controls, prior to entering restricted areas serving international air operations. CATSA increased its non-passenger screening operations at Canadian airports serving international flights when the more stringent international standard was introduced in July 2013. The amendment to the regulations enables Canada to continue meeting the new standard.

The amendment was published in the Canada Gazette Part II on July 2, 2014 and comes into effect on July 14, 2014, requiring airports to ensure that non-passengers enter the airports' restricted areas at only those access points where CATSA is conducting screening. Airports will be required to prevent non-passengers from entering the restricted area through other access points. Transport Canada supports the enhanced international standard and is committed to continuously improving the security of Canada's aviation system.

July 2014

Backgrounder
Amendments to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Airport Security Programs)

Following extensive consultations, Transport Canada divided the development and implementation of Airport Security Programs into two phases:

• Foundational elements (Phase 1), which were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on January 1, 2012; and
• More complex security management elements, published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on July 2, 2014 (Phase 2).

Phase 2 amendments to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 complete the introduction of aviation security programs for Canada's airports designated for security screening. These amendments enhance the aviation security framework for airport operators and update the regulations and harmonize Canada's requirements with international partners. They were developed in a manner that is intended to facilitate compliance.

Phase 2 amendments introduce the following core security program elements for all 89 airports designated for security screening:

• Menu of additional safeguards to be developed by airport operators, to be approved by the Minister, articulating actions that would be implemented immediately in response to heightened risk conditions;
• Training requirements for security personnel that further align with international recommended practices; and
• Enhanced emergency plans and security exercise requirements to further build readiness and capacity.

Phase 2 amendments require Class 1 airports (Canada's major airports, such as Toronto or Vancouver) have the following additional elements in their security program:

• Airport security risk assessments to identify and prioritize risks;
• Strategic airport security plans detailing how identified risks will be managed; and
• Implementation of multi-agency advisory committees to facilitate the sharing of aviation security information.

Unless ordered to do so by the Minister, Class 2 and Class 3 (such as London, ON or Red Deer, AB) aerodrome operators are not required to establish these additional elements.

July, 2014

SOURCE: Transport Canada