No. H036/02
For release March 28, 2002

CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR APPOINTED TO THE 
CANADIAN AIR TRANSPORT SECURITY AUTHORITY

OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that, effective April 1, 2002, Brian Flemming of Halifax has been appointed Chair of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), and Ghislaine Richard of Montreal has been named Vice-Chair. 

“The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority will enhance security by integrating aviation pre-board screening systems across Canada, in compliance with government established security performance standards,” said Mr. Collenette. “The Government of Canada has great confidence in Mr. Flemming’s leadership skills and his many experiences in successfully starting up public, private and not-for-profit organizations. In addition, Ms. Richard brings to the new authority an outstanding background in aviation and aviation security.”

Brian Flemming, a Member of the Order of Canada, brings many years of experience in the fields of law and business to the position of Chair of CATSA. Having completed his Bachelor of Laws at Dalhousie University, Mr. Flemming later completed his Master of Laws at the University of London, and is a recipient of the Hague Diploma in International Law. During his career in private law practice, Mr. Flemming was a senior partner at one of Atlantic Canada’s leading law firms. He has served on the boards of numerous public and private companies, as well as serving as the Chair of the Canada Transportation Act Review Panel during its comprehensive statutory review of the CTA. 

Ghislaine Richard holds a Master’s degree in air and space law from McGill University’s Institute of Air and Space Law. She served as Canada’s official representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization and previously held the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair of the Civil Aviation Tribunal of Canada. Ms Richard was a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Bar Association’s Quebec Division, a founding member of the editorial board of the Canadian Journal of Administrative Law and Practice, and is currently a member of the International Aviation Women’s Association.

The Government of Canada will appoint nine additional members to the Board of Directors for terms up to five years. This board will represent the interests of all Canadians, including industry and labour. Of these members, two will be proposed by the airline industry and two will be proposed by airport operators. The board will select the chief executive officer.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, to be based in the National Capital Region, is a crown corporation and will operate on a not-for-profit basis. The authority will be accountable to the Minister of Transport for the delivery of consistent, effective, and highly professional service at or above the standards set by federal regulations. Transport Canada will continue to regulate and monitor the provision of security services, with the new authority responsible for delivery. 

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Contact:

Anthony Polci
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700

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