CATSA News Release

CATSA's First Annual Report tabled in Parliament

September 5, 2003

OTTAWA (Ontario) - The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's (CATSA) first annual report was tabled in Parliament.

The Authority began operations on April 1, 2002, as the centerpiece of the Government of Canada's response to the events of September 11, 2001. CATSA's budget of $1.9 billion over five years was part of a comprehensive package for aviation security initiatives contained in the December 2001 budget.

CATSA's expenses in its first year of operations were $174.9 million of which just over $125 million were spent on pre-board screening.

"Our top priority is the security of the travelling public. However, I am profoundly aware that we have been entrusted with public funds. As such, I am committed to responsible fiscal management and will continue to look at ways to provide the best, most cost-efficient service," says CATSA's President and CEO Jacques Duchesneau.

Since its takeover of pre-board screening (PBS) from the airlines, CATSA introduced a new rigorous multi-level training program for all screening officers, which is double and at some levels triple the duration of previous training programs. Testing and certification is conducted at every level to ensure continuous improvement and monitoring.

"Thanks to the numerous initiatives we undertook in our first year of operation, and those of the Government of Canada, I believe Canada's air transportation system is more secure than ever. We at CATSA continue to work towards making it better every day," says CATSA's Chairman of the Board of Directors Brian Flemming.

As part of its new responsibilities, the Authority recently introduced a new standard uniform for all screening officers across the country. The new uniform replaces over a dozen different uniforms previously worn by screening officers and emphasizes consistency in PBS across Canada.

A Crown corporation based in the National Capital Region, CATSA reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport and is responsible for delivering consistent, effective and highly professional service that is set at or above the standards established by federal regulations.

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Renée Fairweather (613) 998-4527