Mandate

CATSA's mission is to protect the public by securing critical elements of the air transportation system as assigned by the government.

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.

1. 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.
2. Canada deployed 100% Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) one full year in advance of its worldwide mandatory implementation, as set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that creates the set of standards and recommended practices for international civil aviation whose mandate is to ensure its safe, efficient and orderly evolution.
3. Non-Passenger Screening (NPS) was regulated by Transport Canada in February 2004 in order to add another layer of security to Canada's air transport security system. The purpose of NPS is to enhance both airport and civil aviation security by operating random and unpredictable security screening checkpoints at entry points to or within airport restricted areas.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.