Transport Canada's role in air accidents

Investigating air accidents that occur in Canada is the responsibility of the Transportation Safety Board (TSB). The TSB may choose to investigate the accident and release a report as part of its mandate to promote transportation safety. Transport Canada officials co-operate with the TSB in its investigations by providing information and advice. When the TSB report is released, Transport Canada takes appropriate action based on the Board’s findings and recommendations.

Transport Canada may send inspectors to the accident site to determine if the air operator and its employees acted in accordance with safety and operational regulations under the Aeronautics Act. The department may also conduct an investigation (under the Canada Labour Code Part II) to determine if the working conditions of the air operator’s employees were a factor in the accident.

In the case of major accidents, the Minister of Transport can appoint a Minister’s Observer. The Observer’s role is to gather information about the accident, co-ordinate activities to support the accident’s investigation, advise the Minister of any regulatory responsibilities the department may have, and identify areas where immediate improvements to safety can be made.

Other major players

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) promotes transportation safety through independent investigations and, in some cases, public inquiries into rail, air and marine accidents. These investigations and inquiries help the TSB to determine why an accident happened, and how safety can be improved to help prevent similar accidents.

The TSB also maintains an accident reporting system for all modes of transportation. This information is used by the Board, and by Transport Canada, to analyze and improve the safety of Canada’s transportation system.

If a transportation accident involves fatalities, a representative of the provincial or territorial coroner or a medical examiner is sent to the site. The coroner’s responsibilities include conducting autopsies where necessary and determining the cause of death. The coroner may decide to hold a coroner’s inquest into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. This inquest is normally held two to six months after the accident.

The police, whether local, provincial or RCMP, are normally among the first officials to arrive at the site. Their initial responsibilities are to ensure the safety of persons and property at the site. They also secure the site, document evidence, assist the coroner in his/her duties, and may act as the coroner’s agent, especially in remote locations.

On occasion, there may be other organizations present at accident sites. For example, officials from Environment Canada and their provincial counterparts may be on hand to help determine the presence of or to contain any environmental damage.