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CATSA's mission is [ Downloadable Version - Adobe Acrobat format ] |
The creation of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) was the centrepiece of the Government of Canada's response to the events of September 11, 2001 and part of a comprehensive $2.2 billion package (over five years) for aviation security initiatives contained in the December 2001 budget. Established on April 1, 2002, CATSA is responsible for several key aviation security services.
A Crown corporation based in the National Capital Region, CATSA reports to Parliament, through the Minister of Transport. It is responsible for the delivery of consistent, effective and professional services at or above the standards set by Transport Canada. CATSA is governed by an eleven member Board of Directors, including representatives of the airline industry and airport operators.
CATSA's responsibilities fall into six major areas:
- Pre-board screening of passengers and their belongings;
- Acquisition, deployment, operation and maintenance of explosives detection systems at airports;
- Contracting for RCMP policing services on selected flights and all flights to Reagan National Airport;
- Implementation of a restricted area identification card;
- The screening of non-passengers entering airport restricted areas;
- Contributions for supplemental airport policing services.
In preparation for assuming its responsibilities, CATSA added hundreds of additional Pre-Board Screening (PBS) officers across the country and introduced a new multi-level training program for all screening officers. As part of its commitment to enhance training, the Authority has nearly doubled classroom instruction time and tripled on-the-job training hours.
Our goal is to provide a professional and consistent level of service across the country.
- Screening of passengers and their belongings: CATSA is responsible
for Pre-Board Screening (PBS) at Canada's major airports. On April 1,
2002, CATSA assumed financial responsibility for screening by reimbursing
airlines for the cost of the service and on December 31, 2002, assumed
full operational responsibility for PBS.
- Acquisition, deployment, operation and maintenance of Explosives Detection Systems (EDS): CATSA is responsible for acquiring, deploying, operating, and maintaining EDS equipment at designated airports covering 99 per cent of air travellers in Canada. The Government of Canada has committed over $1 billion for EDS over the next five years. This new equipment has been deployed at airports across the country.
- Implementation of the Canadian Air Carrier Protective Program: CATSA
is responsible for working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
for the provision of on-board security services under the Canadian Air
Carrier Protective Program. This program covers selected domestic, transborder
and international flights, and all flights to Reagan National Airport
in Washington, D.C.
- Implementation of a Restricted Area Identification Card: CATSA is
implementing an enhanced restricted area identification card for non-passengers
which includes the use of biometric identifiers. This card is issued
by the Airport Authorities and enhances the security of restricted areas
at major Canadian airports. The program will include a national database
authenticating the validity of the identification card.
- Non-Passenger Screening: CATSA is implementing a system for the random screening of non-passengers accessing restricted areas at major airports. The screening applies to individuals such as airline personnel, airport employees, refuelers, caterers and maintenance personnel. CATSA's role includes the administration of the program, training of screening personnel and the purchase, deployment, operation and maintenance of all screening equipment.
- Contributions toward airport policing costs: In the aftermath of 9/11, new measures were implemented at airports to increase police presence. The Government of Canada, through CATSA, has committed to assisting selected airports with these additional costs.
